Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Quinoa Meatballs

Has anyone played around with Quinoa? Weird question, but what exactly is it? Every health blog I've looked at suggests eating it, but I've never had it until last night. I got this recipe off of http://thefitnessfreak.blogspot.com/
This blog is another fun one. Like Trainer Momma, she was overweight and turned into a Fitness Freak! I love these blogs because they just get it. And, don't you love the title. I want that title. I want to be labeled as the Fitness Freak.
Anyway, I tried the recipe last night and it was so tasty and fun.






1 1/2 cups cooked Quinoa
3 tbsp onion flakes
1/2 pound lean ground beef (93%)
1/2 pound extra lean ground turkey
2 tbsp olive oil
1 egg
3 tbsp dried parsley
1-1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
Cook Quinoa according to package directions. Mix all in bowl using hands. Roll into balls and place in greased baking pan. Bake at 350 for 20 min or until cooked through. Makes 18 meatballs. 262 calories for two. These are big meatballs.
I tried doing meatball sandwiches for my kids with a bit of BBQ sauce on whole wheat 100 calorie Flat Sandwich Bread. I should have just given them the meatballs plain because that's all they really wanted. But, they ate them up. Try it and let me know what you think.

5 comments:

  1. I'm going to try this....just need the ingredients. Can't wait!

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  2. Perfect! I just bought quinoa, having no idea what to do with it.

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  3. Alicia,

    I couldn't find Quinoa as the grocery store last night except in the organic bulk section. How do you cook it? I'm planning on making these meatballs this week. I found these cute little slider hamburger buns that I think my boys will love!

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  4. I just happened to stumble apon them at Costco. But mine is organic too. I've never seen them at the grocery store. Rinse and dry the grain. In saucepan combine 1/2 cup quinoa with 1 cup water or broth (I think I doubled it for this recipe), and salt to taste (I didn't add any salt). Bring to boil for 15 min or until liquid is absorbed. I had to add a bit more liquid and cook a bit longer because mine didn't seem quite done. Turn off heat and cover with lid for 5 min. Fluff with a fork and serve. It is ready when the grain appears translucent and white germ is clearly visable. For rice cooker, follow instructions for white rice. This recipie serves two. Hope that helps. It is super easy.

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  5. Ok I tried these last night with mixed results. The kids thought they were too spicy, my husband said it was too healthy, and I liked them. I served them with a whole wheat pasta with lots of veggies. I think I should have put them in a sauce.

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