So often when we make a vegetarian meal, it ends up being a compilation of side dishes. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but sometimes you just want an actual entree. Never fear, Quinoa Cauliflower Cakes with Chimichurri are here!
Cauliflower Quinoa Cakes with Chimichurri
INGREDIENTS:
2/3 cup dry quinoa
1 cup filtered water
2 cups chopped cauliflower florets, chopped small
1/4 medium yellow onion
2 large cloves garlic
4 ounces goat cheese or feta, crumbled (about ¾ cup)
1 tight handful Italian parsley or dill, large stems removed
2 large farm eggs
Zest of 1 lemon + 1 Tablespoon juice
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Salt and pepper to taste
Makes about 16 medium cakes
DIRECTIONS:
Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and allow quinoa to sit covered for 10 minutes more. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.
Meanwhile place the cauliflower, onions, garlic in a food processor and pulse until well broken down to the consistency of rice. Add the cheese and parsley and pulse a few more times. Transfer to the bowl of quinoa and add the, eggs, lemon, baking soda and salt and pepper and mix well.
Preheat the oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Scoop out 1/4 cup of the mixture and press together to form a ball. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly to form a patty shape. Repeat to make about 16 each.
Bake for about 25-30 minutes, until golden and firm. Serve hot with the chimichurri sauce (recipe follows). You can also pan sear these cakes in a non-stick pan.
Chimichurri~
1/2 cup well chopped Italian parsley
1/2 cup well chopped cilantro or mint
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
4 cloves minced garlic
1 teaspoon finely chopped jalapeno or crushed red pepper (optional)
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Makes 1 cup
Place all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. To save time you can place all items in a blender (before chopping herbs) and blend on medium speed until well broken down.
