Italian Quinoa Spinach Patties With Roasted Red Pepper Tomato Sauce
Recipe: #22535
January 15, 2016
Categories: Sauce, Tomato/Red Sauces, Quinoa, Tomato, Spinach, Italian, Sunday Dinner, Heart Healthy, High Fiber, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Vegetarian, Canned Tomatoes, Vegetarian Dinner, Italian Dinner, more
"This recipe makes a delicious 'Meatless' Italian Dinner. Now, this is perfect to make for a family member or friend who is a vegetarian; but, it is also nice, just to have a lighter and 'meat free' dinner now and then. And, it is still very hearty and filling. I serve this with a homemade tomato and roasted red pepper sauce, also easy to prepare; but, you could always serve the patties with another sauce if you wanted. A creamy alfredo or pesto sauce would also be really good. On the side, a crisp iceberg wedge with your favorite dressing. By the way - both the patties and the sauce freeze well; so, a great recipe to make ahead. Prep time does not include time for the patties to rest."
Ingredients
- FOR THE QUINOA
-
-
-
-
-
-
- FOR PATTIES
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- ROASTED RED PEPPER TOMATO SAUCE
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Garnish
-
-
-
Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (275.9 g)
- Calories 496.3
- Total Fat - 25.3 g
- Saturated Fat - 7.4 g
- Cholesterol - 226.3 mg
- Sodium - 1113.7 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 42.6 g
- Dietary Fiber - 5.6 g
- Sugars - 5.5 g
- Protein - 25.8 g
- Calcium - 335.6 mg
- Iron - 5.2 mg
- Vitamin C - 59.4 mg
- Thiamin - 0.3 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Quinoa Cakes ... They need to rest and firm up a good hour before serving. Actually, I prefer to make these the night before if you have the time. And, they freeze great; so, you can easily make these for another time too.
Step 2
Quinoa ... First, quinoa needs to be rinsed; and, rinsed well. Otherwise, the quinoa can have a very bitter taste. Then, I like to toast the quinoa for a minute in a little olive oil (1 teaspoon); I think it gives it a bit added flavor. Add the shallot and garlic; and toss just until everything is combined. Then, add the liquid; and, simply cook the quinoa according to package directions. I often cook the quinoa in chicken broth vs water; which adds more flavor - but, that is completely optional. Once the quinoa is done; transfer to a bowl to cool.
Step 3
Spinach ... You can get frozen 'Cut Leaf or Chopped' Spinach. Honestly, either works; but, I like the cut leaf ... it just has a bit more texture. Don't worry, either is fine. Make sure to thaw, drain; then, squeeze it dry. I just use a couple of paper towels. Then, add the spinach to the cooled quinoa, breaking it up as it you it.
Step 4
Patty Mix ... Add the scallions, cheese, bread crumbs, herbs, and seasoning, to the bowl with the quinoa and spinach; then, stir until well combined. Taste to see if any additional salt and pepper is needed; and, adjust if necessary. Then, add in the beaten egg; and, mix. Cover with plastic wrap; and, refrigerate until ready to use. Again, 1 hour is really a must; but, all day, or overnight is perfect too. Then, form your quinoa/spinach mix into patties; I usually make the patties between 2-3", there is no right or wrong. At this point you can cook them right away; or, you can package them up, and freeze for another night. Freeze them individually on a sheet pan; then, place between sheets of wax paper or parchment, wrapped in foil - and then in a ziplock bag; or your favorite method. Note: Depending on the size of the patties; you can serve between 4-8 people. And, you can really make them any size you want.
Step 5
Sauce ... As your patties are resting, you can prep your sauce. Nothing hard about this. Simply add everything to a blender or food processor; and puree until smooth. Add the sauce to a pot; and, bring to a light boil. Reduce to a simmer - medium low heat, for 30 minutes. This also can be made well in advance. It can also be frozen as well.
Step 6
Patties ... Bring a non-stick pan (preferred) to a medium heat; and, add the olive oil. Then, saute the patties on each side until golden brown. Remember, everything is already cooked; you are just heating everything through; and, getting a nice brown crust on each side.
Step 7
Finish and Serve ... I like to use a wide bowl (like a pasta dish) for this dish. Add sauce to each bowl; and, top with 2-3 patties. Finish with a spoon of ricotta cheese and plenty of fresh basil. You can always add more grated parmesan cheese if you want; but, I enjoy the ricotta, it's a bit lighter. ENJOY! On the side, a crisp wedge of iceberg lettuce; and, a simple vinaigrette. Keep it low cal and simple.
Tips
No special items needed.