12/01/2020
Happy December!! ❄️
I do hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and found lots to be grateful for, even during these challenging times. With another lock down in place, many of you might be feeling a bit house crazy but on the bright side, it's a great time to try out new recipes!! 😄I've got one I think you are going to Love! It is rich in protein since quinoa is the only grain that has a complete amino acid profile. These little quinoa cups make great leftovers too so be sure to make a hearty batch!
White Cheddar Quinoa Cups
Yields: 8 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
1/2 teaspoon Simply Organic Cumin Seed Ground 2.31 oz.
1/4 teaspoon Simply Organic Black Pepper Medium Grind 2.31 oz.
1/2 cup red quinoa (uncooked)
1 cup water
1 tablespoon extra light olive oil
1/2 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1/2 large jalapeno, seeded and minced
2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated and divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Directions:
1. Rinse quinoa in a fine sieve until water runs clear, drain and transfer to a small pot. Add water and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to medium low and simmer until water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside off the heat for 5 minutes; uncover and fluff with a fork. Place into a bowl to cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
3. In a small sauté pan over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of extra light olive oil. Once hot, add in the diced red bell pepper and minced jalapeno. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
5. Remove from the heat and transfer sautéed peppers/garlic to a plate to cool.
6. In a large bowl combine 2 cups of the cooled quinoa, green onions, cilantro, cooled peppers and garlic, eggs and 3/4 cup grated white cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.
7. Add in the flour, salt, pepper and cumin. Mix until incorporated.
8. Lightly grease a mini muffin pan with baking spray. Spoon heaping tablespoons of the quinoa mixture into each muffin cup. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes.
9. Cool before removing from pan and serving.
**Substitutions: I can't eat Jalapeno so I used Green Bell Pepper instead and it was just as good. You can play around with the veggies in this recipe. Mushrooms, tomato, asparagus and kale are all great options. Use whatever fits your dietary needs best.