Terrance's Bacon-Wrapped Quinoa Patties
I don't know who developed the original recipe, but I have a listing of the ingredients and preparation instructions. I modified the original by adding bacon for wrapping. Another possibility would be aubergine-wrapping.
I don't know who developed the original recipe, but I have a listing of the ingredients and preparation instructions. I modified the original by adding bacon for wrapping. Another possibility would be aubergine-wrapping.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- bacon
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon rind grated
- 1-1/2 cup quinoa
- 1-1/2 cups vegetable stock or 1 pack of knorr liption onion reduced sodium stock + 4 c of water
- 3 cups fresh spinach trimmed
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted or pine-nuts or sliced almonds
- lemon yogurt sauce
- 1 1/2 cups balkan-style plain yogurt
- 1/3 cups green onions thinly sliced
- 1 pinch salt and pepper (each)
- 1/2 slice uncooked bacon one 1/2 per patty
- Carbohydrate 6.47484562783582 g
- Cholesterol 94.7933333328445 mg
- Fat 7.92210042779759 g
- Fiber 1.01818256026757 g
- Protein 5.13633761972889 g
- Saturated Fat 1.70664253819416 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (96g)
- Sodium 115.411579053397 mg
- Sugar 5.45666306756825 g
- Trans Fat 0.585141255514196 g
- Calories 114 calories
Step-by-step
- In fine sieve, rinse quinoa under cold water, and drain.
- In a saucepan, bring the quinoa, broth and 1-1/2 cups water (or 1 package of Knorr Lipton Onion stock with reduced sodium, PLUS 4 CUPS of water) to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer covered for 15 minutes.
- Drain in fine sieve; let cool completely in the sieve.
- Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat; fry the onion, garlic, salt and pepper, stirring occasionally, until onion is sweated and softened, about 4 minutes.
- Add the spinach, cook, stirring, until wilted and no liquid remains (about 3 minutes).
- Mix the Lemon Yogurt sauce ingredients together (yogurt, onions, lemon juice, salt and pepper) and store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, flour, baking powder and lemon rind. Fold in the quinoa and spinach mixture. With wet hands, form into 16 cakes; transfer to a waxed paper-lined tray, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- In a non-stick skillet, heat half the remaining oil over medium-high heat; fry half the cakes, until light brown on each side; turn once with 2 spatulas (as they can easily crumble). Each cake needs to be fried 4-6 minutes, until almost golden brown.
- Turn cakes onto a non-stick baking pan, place 1/2 a slice of bacon on each patty, and broil in the oven until the bacon is cooked, but not crisp.
- Serve with the Lemon Yogurt Sauce drizzled over the cakes, and sprinkle with Sesame Seeds.
Terrance's Bacon-Wrapped Quinoa Patties: A Culinary Adventure
As a busy professional woman, juggling a demanding career and a desire for healthy, flavorful meals, I'm always on the lookout for quick and easy recipes that don't compromise on taste. This recipe for Terrance's Bacon-Wrapped Quinoa Patties has become a firm favorite. It's surprisingly simple to prepare, yet delivers a sophisticated and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. The quinoa patties are packed with wholesome ingredients, offering a nutritious base, while the bacon adds a delightful salty crunch and a touch of indulgence.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. The base of quinoa, spinach, and aromatic vegetables provides a robust canvas that can be easily adapted to suit your personal preferences. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature flavor profile. I often add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. The lemon yogurt sauce is another highlight, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the bacon and quinoa. Its tangy, creamy texture cuts through the savory flavors beautifully. I've found that using high-quality, full-fat yogurt enhances the overall creamy texture and taste.
What I especially appreciate about this recipe is how it allows for meal prepping. You can easily prepare the quinoa and spinach mixture ahead of time, storing it in the refrigerator for a few days. This significantly reduces the cooking time when you’re short on time during the week. Forming the patties is also a great task to do in advance, making the cooking process a breeze. The bacon-wrapping adds a layer of visual appeal to the dish, making it suitable for entertaining guests or impressing a date. Its simple yet elegant presentation belies the easy preparation.
Beyond its convenience and deliciousness, this recipe is a celebration of healthy eating. Quinoa, a complete protein, provides essential amino acids, while spinach is bursting with vitamins and minerals. The inclusion of healthy fats from olive oil and the lean protein from the bacon makes this a well-rounded and nutritious meal. It's the perfect way to satisfy your cravings without compromising your health goals. I often serve these patties with a side salad, adding a colorful and refreshing component to the meal. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or a vibrant tomato and cucumber salad complements the quinoa patties perfectly.
The recipe's adaptability extends to the method of cooking. While I prefer to broil the bacon-wrapped patties for a slightly crispy finish, you can also pan-fry them or even bake them in the oven. Each method produces a slightly different texture, allowing you to customize the dish to your preference. I find the broiling method produces a more even cooking of both the patties and the bacon. The slight char on the bacon provides a delicious smoky flavor.
In conclusion, Terrance's Bacon-Wrapped Quinoa Patties are more than just a recipe; they're a testament to the power of simple ingredients, creative cooking, and a commitment to healthy living. This versatile dish easily adapts to suit various lifestyles and dietary needs. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, this recipe will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the culinary journey, and remember to experiment and adapt to create your own unique version of this delightful dish.
Variations and Tips:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the quinoa mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb it up: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives for added flavor and freshness.
- Cheese please: Experiment with different cheeses. Feta or goat cheese would be delicious additions.
- Nutty goodness: Substitute the sesame seeds with chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds.
- Veggie boost: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the quinoa mixture.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour or omit the flour altogether for a gluten-free version.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the quinoa mixture and form the patties in advance for a quicker weeknight meal.
