Lemon, Olive, and Parsley Quinoa Cakes

Dear Success,

I got you.

Ive got a jar of Sharpie markers on my desk, a frozen coffee cake in my freezer just waiting to be baked, a handful of people tell me they love me, and theres spinach in my bowl. See? Ive got you, Success. Were totally roommates and Im totally not letting you move out, ever.

Its Friday! Double Success!

Love,

Joy

Look around. I bet you live with success too! sometimes success is as simple as a jar of markers on your desk.

Enjoy your weekend! Im rooting for you. Go do good things!

This recipe was inspired by Heidis Super Natural Everyday. Do you have this book? Lovely! thank you Molly and Kelsey.

This book is full of whole grains, whole wheat, spices and health. Just flipping through the book makes you feel strong.

Do you know! how har d it was to not put melted butter in these quinoa cakes?

Like really hard.

When quinoa is in my house, its all I eat. from scrambled eggs to sauteed dinner.

Its filling. Its delicious. Its major healthy.

This quinoa is a salty and bright combination of flavors. I love green olives and lemon. Theyre super bright and complimentary to the earthy/base flavors of the quinoa. Onion and garlic? Easy. Parsley and cheese? Always.

Eggs and a splash of water are the binder for the quinoa. I like to think of these as mini veggie patties.

Warm quinoa patties, packed with flavor, served over seasoned spinach with extra cheese. Duh.

This mean is a lovely lunch, a dreamy dinner and the quinoa can even be served up at breakfast. Every meal, people! Every meal!

The best part about this recipe is that you can make up the quinoa mixture and fry up to order. The uncooked quinoa mixture will last in the fridge for a few days. Thats fresh food for days! Im way into it!

Lemon Parsley and Olive Quinoa Cakes

makes about 2 dozen small cakes

adapted from Su! per Natu ral Everyday

Print this Recipe!

1 1/2 cups rawquinoa

2 1/4 cups water

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 large eggs, beaten

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 cup grated parmesan or Gruyere cheese

1/3 cup coarsely chopped green olives

1/3 cup chopped parsley

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper or crushed red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon water

2 tablespoon olive oil

Place dry quinoa in a fine mesh strainer. Wash under cool water for a few minutes. Quinoa needs to be rinsed or it tastes dirty.

In a medium saucepan place rinsed quinoa, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Place over medium heat and bring to a boil. Cover, decrease the heat, and simmer for about 25 t0 30 minutes, until the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Well need 3 cups of cooked quinoa for the recipe.

In a small bowl, whisk eggs and set aside.

In a large bowl, toss together onion, garlic, cheese, olives, parsley, lemon zest, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and cooled quinoa. Add beaten eggs and stir until all of the quinoa mixture is moistened. Add water to thoroughly moisten mixture. Quinoa should be slightly wet so it doesnt dry out during cooking.

Scoop out mixture by the 2 tablespoonful. Use clean, moist fingers to form into a patty. Create as many patties as youd like.

In a large skillet over medium low heat, heat olive oil. If you pan is large enough, add four to six patties to the hot pan. Youll need a bit of room to successfully flip them.

Cook on each side until beautifully browned, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Low heat helps the quinoa cakes cook slowly. Brown on each side then remove to a paper towel lined plate.

Serve warm with a small spinach salad, or with scrambled eggs. Serve the! m any wa y youd like.

Also, the quinoa mixture can be left, uncooked in the fridge for a few days. Cook as necessary.