Quinoa Recipes

Here are two recipes I found on Pinterest that use quinoa as a main ingredient.

QUINOA CHOCOLATE CHERRY BALLS (doubled and slightly modified from this recipe)

3/4 c. quinoa, rinsed and drained

1 1/2 c. water

1/4 c. almonds, crushed

6 tbsp. Cherries & Berries

1/4 c. chocolate chips

2 tbsp. maple syrup

2 tbsp. peanut butter

Bring quinoa and water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for 20 minutes or until all the water has evaporated.  Spread on a cookie sheet to cool it off to room temperature.  Combine remaining ingredients and incorporate the cooled quinoa.  Use a mini portion scoop and press the quinoa mixture in tightly.  Drop balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375 F for 20-25 minutes. 

These were pretty good.  I likely wouldn't make them again, but it was a good way to trick the kids into eating quinoa.

QUINOA SALAD WITH PEAR & BLACKBERRIES (halved and slightly modified from this recipe)

1/2 c. quinoa, rinsed and drained

1 c. water

2 c. baby spinach

1 pear, thinly sliced

1/4 c. blackberries

1/4 c. chickpeas, rinsed

1 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

1 tbsp. almond slices

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 1/2 tbsp. balsamic vinaigrette

1 tbsp. maple syrup

juice from 1/2 a lemon

Bring quinoa to a boil and then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.  Fluff with a fork and cool to room temperature.  Toss together spinach, pear, chickpeas, parsley, and almond slices.  Whisk together dressing ingredients.  When quinoa is cooled, toss it in with the salad ingredients and coat with the dressing.