MEAT FREE MONDAY | Kidney Bean Quinoa Burger
15.8.12
As the loud chatter consumed the room, a voice broke through the wall of noise"This burger is Amazing! How did you make it?" I smiled as I welcomed the idea of Meat Free Mondays and my first-time recipe.
This deceptive creature the Andean Quechuas call kinwa--known to us as quinoa--has been considered the gold of the Incas some 4,000-6,000 years ago. Deceptive in its form, as a grain, it belongs to a family outside its appearance. Belonging to a family in which beets and tumbleweed are its cousins, quinoa's psuedocereal nature has added essential amino acids, phosphorous, calcium and iron, and is a great source of protein.
This deceptive creature the Andean Quechuas call kinwa--known to us as quinoa--has been considered the gold of the Incas some 4,000-6,000 years ago. Deceptive in its form, as a grain, it belongs to a family outside its appearance. Belonging to a family in which beets and tumbleweed are its cousins, quinoa's psuedocereal nature has added essential amino acids, phosphorous, calcium and iron, and is a great source of protein.
The "superfood" of all superfoods for many, this 'grain' has also reiterated itself as a super player in the economic and cultural evolution [cyclical] of the very people whose ancestors domesticated this plant through its reincorporation into the Andean market [national and global].
And as the guests tuck into the smorgasbord of pies, in season veggies, cakes and quinoa, these little 'grains' stand out of the crowd to take their place as simply 'SUPER!'
Ingredients
400g can kidney beans
3/4 cup dry quinoa
1 carrot (grated)
vegetable stock (can substitute with water)
1/2 red onion (chopped finely)
1 egg
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp chopped parsley
1/2 tsp chilli flakes
salt (pinch)
ground pepper (to season)
breadcrumbs (optional)
Preparations:
Boil quinoa in vegetable stock as directed on packet. (15 minutes usually)
Set aside to cool.
In a mixing bowl combine carrots, kidney beans, onions, parsley, quinoa and chilli flakes.
In a small bowl lightly beat egg, adding the cumin to the egg.
Add egg mixture to mixing bowl and stir.
Form mixture into burger patties and set aside (you can use breadcrumbs to coat the quinoa burgers).
In a pan heat 1 tbsp olive oil, then add quinoa burgers.
Fry until golden.
TIP 1: Do not turn quinoa burgers over until the side being cooked is sturdy. I learnt this the hard way as my first batch crumbled because I was too eager to turn them. Lesson Learned!
TIP 2: You can eat this in a burger bun, or with a fresh salad, or coleslaw. Yummy!
1 comments
Think I'll be making these for the trini tribe! If I can find quinoa that is!
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