Spinach and Cheddar Quinoa Cakes with Creamy Buffalo Dip
These spinach and cheddar quinoa cakes are packed full of quinoa, barley and spinach and served with a cream cheese buffalo dip.
These spinach and cheddar quinoa cakes are packed full of quinoa, barley and spinach and served with a cream cheese buffalo dip.
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup water
- salt & pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 cups baby spinach roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 large shallot minced
- 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
- oil for pan frying (extra virgin coconut or bacon fat will do)
- 3 ounces room temperature cream cheese
- 1/4 cup quinoa (i used red but any color will do)
- 1/4 cup barley
- !for the creamy buffalo dip
- 11/2-2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
- Carbohydrate 231.134097004466 g
- Cholesterol 20.8246874999408 mg
- Fat 15.740951937803 g
- Fiber 63.6988090456528 g
- Protein 35.2098800632438 g
- Saturated Fat 5.36833215006006 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (2380g)
- Sodium 608.461587484547 mg
- Sugar 167.435287958813 g
- Trans Fat 4.09116345008326 g
- Calories 874 calories
Step-by-step
- Combine the quinoa and barley in a small saucepan. Add 1 cup of water, bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a low simmer, cover and let cook for about 20 minutes until water is fully absorbed. Transfer quinoa and barley to a large bowl.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shallots, cook 1 minute then add the garlic, cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook for about 1-2 minutes until wilted. Add the mixture to the large bowl with the quinoa and barley.
- Beat the eggs and milk together in a small bowl then add to the large bowl.
- Add the breadcrumbs, cheddar and salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir everything together until well incorporated.
- Using the same skillet, add about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil of choice and heat over medium-high.
- Shape the mixture into patties and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel lined rack to drain. Add oil to the pan as necessary while cooking the patties.
- Serve warm with the dipping sauce.
- For the Creamy Buffalo Dip: Combine the cream cheese and yogurt in a small bowl and stir until mixed together and smooth.
- Add the buffalo sauce and stir until incorporated.
My Unexpectedly Delicious Quinoa Cake Adventure
Let me tell you, friends, about my latest culinary conquest – spinach and cheddar quinoa cakes with a creamy buffalo dip. Now, I'm not one for elaborate recipes or hours spent slaving away in the kitchen. My life is a whirlwind of meetings, school runs, and trying to fit in a workout somewhere between grocery shopping and bedtime stories. So, when I stumble upon a recipe that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying, yet quick to make, you bet I'm sharing it.
This recipe popped up on my social media feed, and something about the vibrant green spinach and the promise of a creamy, spicy dip caught my eye. Honestly, quinoa isn't my go-to grain. I'm more of a pasta-and-potatoes kind of girl. But desperate times, right? I needed something that was packed with nutrients, something that would hold up well as a quick weeknight dinner, and something the kids might actually eat (let's not kid ourselves, miracles do happen sometimes). So, I decided to give it a try, and let me just tell you, my skepticism quickly vanished.
The process was surprisingly straightforward. I cooked the quinoa and barley (a nice surprise texture addition!) according to the instructions, and the rest was a matter of sautéing the spinach and shallots, mixing in the eggs, cheese, and breadcrumbs, and forming the patties. The entire prep time probably took no more than 20 minutes. This is crucial for a busy mom like me; anything faster than an hour is a win. The kids helped with some of the simpler tasks, too, adding to our fun time.
The baking or pan-frying part took a bit longer, but even with the multitasking involved in managing children, the waiting period wasn't excessively long. Watching those golden-brown cakes emerge from the pan brought a wave of contentment. It’s incredible how even simple cooking tasks can bring a sense of peace and accomplishment, especially when you know you are making your family something healthy and delicious.
But the star of the show? That creamy buffalo dip! Oh, my goodness. The tangy cream cheese, the smooth yogurt, and the kick of buffalo sauce created a perfect harmony of flavors. It was rich, creamy, and just spicy enough to add an exciting contrast to the earthy quinoa cakes. It's the kind of dip you can easily make ahead of time and keep in the fridge, ready for a spontaneous snack or a quick dinner.
The final product? A culinary triumph in my book. These quinoa cakes were incredibly flavorful, surprisingly filling, and surprisingly easy. I served them to my family with a side salad, and the whole experience was just so effortless, yet so satisfying. Even my picky eaters cleaned their plates, a rare sight indeed!
What I learned from this experience is that cooking doesn't always have to be stressful. Simple, healthy recipes like these can bring as much joy and satisfaction as a more elaborate dish, if not more, especially considering how easily they fit into a busy schedule. This recipe is my new go-to. Not only does it tick all the boxes in terms of taste, health, and convenience but it is also a great source of pride and a testament to the fact that even amidst the chaos of daily life, a little time spent in the kitchen can create some magical moments.
So, if you're looking for a quick, healthy, and ridiculously delicious recipe that will impress your family and friends (and yourself!), give these spinach and cheddar quinoa cakes with creamy buffalo dip a try. You won't regret it.
This recipe became an unexpected favorite for both lunch and dinner. I have been experimenting with variations using different cheeses, herbs, and even vegetables. And with the creamy buffalo dip being so simple to whip up, the possibilities seem endless. I'm confident you will quickly find ways to personalize this recipe and make it your own.
