Crispy Quinoa Cakes with Yogurt Cilantro Sauce
Cooking is a meditation for me. Getting into the kitchen grounds me. It keeps me present and mindful, focusing on what I am preparing with love and attention. It's like practicing yoga off the mat. I think that whatever emotions or state of mind the person cooking is in, seeps into the food, and is absorbed by the people eating it. Have you seen the movie Like Water for Chocolate?
I am often asked for recipes using leftovers, items in the fridge, or how to prepare a particular type of food. Last week a friend called, the state of her fridge was grim. All she had in the veggie bin was 2 potatoes,1 stalk of celery, and 2 small turnips. I asked an essential question- did she have an onion? Luckily, she did, and she created a delicious soup.
The latest request is for a quinoa recipe. These Quinoa Cakes are crispy, tasty, and great for a main or a side dish. The sauce is key. If you don't like the flavor of curry, omit the spice and use a little more salt and pepper. Enjoy...
Crispy Curried Quinoa Cakes with Yogurt Cilantro Sauce
Ingredients
2 cups cooked quinoa
1 large egg or 2 small eggs
½ cup vegetables, par-cooked and then chopped small, I used broccoli, carrots, and peas, frozen mixed veggies defrosted work great too.
¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro
1 tsp. Curry powder
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp pepper
Directions
Preheat oven 375°
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with spray oil or oil
In a bowl, mix all the ingredients together
Lay them out in patties and bake for 10 minutes and turn over, cook for another to 10-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy
Sauce is key. Try with a yogurt cilantro sauce or mayo tamari sauce.
Yogurt Cilantro Sauce
1 cup yogurt
½ cup of fresh cilantro
½ tsp. ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp. Sriracha (optional)
Mayo Tamari Sauce
½ cup mayo
1 tsp tamari or soy sauce
Add a few drops of water to thin if desired
Mix well