Grilled Quinoa Cakes

Kathryn Conrad

These crispy cakes make a delicious side dish– or top with quartered grape tomatoes and salad greens tossed in your favorite vinaigrette (as shown) for a an elegant appetizer or even a light meal. Vegetable broth may be substituted for chicken broth.

ingredients

Instructions

Combine quinoa and chicken broth in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes or until liquid is almost completely absorbed. Remove from heat.

Add cheese, egg, pepper and salt; stir until cheese has melted. Spoon quinoa mixture into an 11-inch x 7-inch baking dish or pan lightly brushed or sprayed with extra-virgin olive oil; smooth surface with a spatula. Cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 30 minutes or until chilled and set. (This step may be done a day ahead.)

Remove and discard plastic. Invert chilled quinoa onto a cutting board. Cut into 8 equal portions.

Heat a grill or grill-pan. Lightly brush the surface of the quinoa cakes with 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil. Using a thin spatula, place the cakes oil side down on the heated grill. Lightly brush the exposed sides of the cakes with the remaining oil. Grill 2 minutes per side or until grill marks show and cakes are crispy.

Carefully transfer to a platter and serve immediately.

Kathryn Conrad, Chef/Test Kitchen Associate, Cooking Light Magazine.

makes: 8 servings

serving size: 1 cake