Bread, buns, and cakes stress me out sometimes.  I try to find gluten-free options in the store that are appealing but lately none stand out.  I’m in the mood for texture/grittiness but without the wheat.  Rather than buying overpriced gluten-free options I opted to make my own…  These cakes are pretty darn good if I may say so.

I am heading out of town this weekend and wanted to use everything in my pantry/refrigerator… Successfully did just that.  The recipe calls for quinoa which is a fantastic gluten-free grain.  It is a great protein source for vegetarians and vegans since it is a complete protein – contains all of the nine essential amino acids!  Had a taste tester who said these were like a healthy but yummy version of hush puppies hence the name!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked (utilized the Organic Tricolor Quinoa from Trader Joe’s – so delish)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 4 eggs
• 1/3 cup aged parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup asparagus, minced
• 2 tbsp garlic, crushed or minced (when in a bind I opt for ready-to-use garlic products which are a staple in my refrigerator – I love the Roasted Minced Garlic from Spice World)
• 1 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 tsp sea salt or ‘to taste’ (I did about 3 full grinds of my salt – equivalent to 1/2 tsp)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper; ground
• 1/2 tsp red pepper; flakes

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Methodology:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, olive oil, eggs, asparagus, garlic, and flour, stir well.
2. Add the necessary spices (S&P) then stir well or mix with your hands.
3. Under medium-high heat drizzle olive oil in a large saucepan then using your hands create Ping-Pong shaped balls and place on the pan.  Keep a space between each ball then flatten with a spatula.
4. Allow to heat each side for 3-4 minutes until slightly browned then finish with a 30 second-1 minute sear on each side.
5. Set to the site on a cool plate or wire rack.
6. These cakes are absolutely heavenly when added to a salad, topped with meat, or topped with cooked veggies.
7. Enjoy!

xxx – Sarah

To cook quinoa:  Combine 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups water bring to a boil atop stove then reduce to a simmer and cover.  I usually allow it to sit out on the stove top covered for 2-3 hours then start utilizing it by itself or in other recipes such as this one.

Just the beginning…

Halfway done

Finito!