Quinoa Cakes with Farmer's Market Riot!

When I saw this recipe on one of the blogs I follow, I knew I had to try it! I'm SO happy I did. It was fabulous and super healthy! It makes a great dinner on a hot evening!

Quinoa Cakes:

1 Cup Quinoa

2 Cups Vegetable Stock

1/2 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Cumin

1 tsp. Smoked Paprika

1 tsp. Fresh minced Oregano (or 1/2 tsp. dried)

2 Egg Whites

Place quinoa in a fine mesh sieve, rinse under cold running water for one minute, until water runs clear. Add stock to small pot, bring to a boil, add quinoa. Turn heat to medium, partially cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn heat off, let quinoa sit for 5 minutes or until water evaporates. Add remaining ingredients to a mixing bowl, whisk to combine. Add cooked quinoa, mix to distribute spices & egg well. Heat electric skillet (I used a saute pan) over medium-high heat and scoop mixture out with an ice cream scoop (I used a 1/2 cup measuring cup) into mounds on the skillet. Press down with a spatula, cover and cook for 5 minutes, flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until golden brown.

Cucumber & Tomato Salad:

1/2 English Cucumber, diced

1 large Tomato, diced

Salt

Black Pepper

Juice of 1 Lemon

Combine all ingredients in a small dish, refrigerate until using.

Spicy Corn Relish:

1 tsp. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

1/2 Red Onion, diced

2 Garlic Cloves, minced

1 tsp. Red Chili Flakes

1 Cup Fresh or Frozen Corn Kernels

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Coriander

1/2 Lime, Juiced

Heat skillet over high. Add oil, garlic, onion, and chili flakes and cook for a minute. Add the corn, salt, and coriander, saute for 3-4 minutes. Taste & adjust seasonings. Spoon into a bowl, sprinkle with lime juice and set aside.

Pan-Fried Zucchini

1 T Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

1 LB. Small Zucchini, cut into rounds

Salt

Black Pepper

Add oil to skillet over high heat. Add zucchini, salt & pepper. Saute for 5 minutes until browned & softened.

TO SERVE:

1/4 C Minced Cilantro

1/4 C Crumbled Cheese (I used fat-free Feta)

Place quinoa cakes on plate, spoon each of the 3 salad components on the side, top with cilantro & cheese.