Gluten Free Quinoa Cakes with Broccoli and Cauliflower
I am in the midst of a move, which means I’m packing boxes, cleaning house, and sneaking in my writing time just about whenever I can. Cooking, however, has just not been on the list of priorities. This is partly because I’m so incredibly busy, partly because I am ready to say goodbye to my old kitchen with it’s funky stove, mismatched 80’s tile and hideous cabinetry (one cabinet actually has $25 marked in grease pencil high in the corner). I am so ready to move into our new 1940’s era house which still has it’s 1940’s era tile (turquoise and black!!), even the paper lining the shelves in the cabinets is adorably vintage and in great condition. New appliances are on the way, AND I got to pick them out and contributed some extra money to upgrade them.
This house is so perfect for us. In the past, when I’ve closed my eyes, and pictured a home, it looks like this, with light streaming in from all sides. With mouldings that feature little details like swag bows. With skylights all over and a basement for hanging charcuterie and keeping my home canning projects! With a big garden (well, pile of weeds which will soon be a garden). With plenty of space for Joshua to work on his various projects but not be too far away like he was in our last house. It’s just perfect.
But back to the present… take out! In the form of sushi, dim sum, Mexican, Chinese, more Mexican, a bit of charcuterie and cheese. I feel like I’ve gained 10 pounds, but the scale is packed, so I haven’t faced that reality.
This is a go to recipe I love. It’s simple and hearty, and it looks so elegant. Oh, and the best part, next time you make quinoa, make a double batch, and set some aside so you can make these tasty cakes. They’re excellent for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
- FOR THE QUINOA CAKES
- 1.5 cup cooked black quinoa
- 2 tbsp golden flax seed meal
- 1 egg beaten
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ lemon juiced + zest
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- smoked sea salt (about ¼ teaspoon)
- fresh black pepper
- ½ cup steamed broccoli and/or cauliflower finely chopped
- FOR GARNISH
- roasted tomatoes (recipe follows)
- hand full of arugula- sliced very thinly into a chiffonade
- parmesan cheese, shaved
- FOR ROASTED TOMATOES
- Slice tomatoes ½ inch thick
- Salt your tomatoes and rest them on a paper towel, flipping once
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper
- Pre heat your oven to 450º
- Press tomatoes with paper towels to remove moisture
- Roast for 15 minutes
- FOR QUINOA CAKES
- While tomatoes are roasting, mix all quinoa cake ingredients
- Refrigerate for 20 minutes
- Heat enough oil generously cover the bottom of a heavy bottom sauce pan – on medium high
- Form quinoa mixture into palm sized patties and add to the pan
- Flip as soon as they’ve formed a crust (gently check at 3 minutes)
To assemble these cakes, just add a roasted tomato, some chiffonade of arugula, and shaved Parmesan. I also had one topped with a fried egg. It was truly divine. I hope you enjoy this yummy and healthy treat. I know I’ll be making some and enjoying some summer tomatoes as soon as we’re in our new place.
Wow, Sabrina! Congrats on the big move and the house looks awesome – I'm a sucker for old kitchens (even though they make me nuts). Love that turquoise backsplash! Moving is hella stressful but all worth it – can't wait to see how the new place makes its mark on your cooking and your blog. These quinoa cakes look UH-MAZING and I'm so totally making them. xoxo
Tami,
Thanks so much love. I am crazy about my new kitchen, and it's actually pretty big. The best part is that my landlord let me choose my range (somewhat, anyway). The move is going well, and since we have time, it's not making us too crazy (yay)! I hope you love the quinoa cakes. I'm missing healthy grains right now. Tonight? Indian vegetarian pizza (light cheese, please). Ug.
Good luck Sabrina but it is such a nice excitement to unpack, settle in and make the place your own. Wish you bunch of sunshine in your kitchen 🙂 Put some more pictures of the whole house, lady!! Curious here!
That's a cute kitchen! Good luck with the move. These quinoa cakes look scrumptious. And roasted tomatoes. yum! Thanks for sharing.
Thos cakes are gorgeous! Love it!
Love the new (vintage) kitchen. love the cakes. Win WIn. GREG
Love the cakes! Can't wait to try them!
I am so in love with your new kitchen!! That tile!!!! I'm so jealous (and excited). Hope the move goes well and I can't wait to see what it looks like once you've got it all settled. And I love the look of those quinoa cakes – especially with the roasted tomatoes.
i am trying to figure out how to contact you. I have a suggestion regarding the bake sale fund raiser.
This is screaming good! Thank You!
I will be using this in my restaurant as a vegetarian choice dish.
Thanks so much. I love these, too. Please let me know how people like them!