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Heidi's Quinoa Cakes & Cookbook Giveaway



Don't be scared, I am not turning into a health nut.

I am already a healthy eater, because I eat REAL foods. I don't buy processed crap, don't drink soda, and I eat fat in moderation. Blah blah blah. I know you've heard it all before.

I hate brown rice, and I hate tofu. Hate the whole concept of pretending that tofu is pretending to be something else. Enough hating for one day.

Quinoa can be filed in the category of "why bother?", but here, with garlic, onions, Parmesan cheese and my beautiful fresh spring chives from my garden, it's a whole 'nother story. I also tried it in different salads all week, and I am hooked.



Heidi's lovely book Super Natural Every Day is really inspiring me to try different flours and grains and oils that I wouldn't normally use. Her quinoa patties were easy and delicious shmeared with some mashed avocado.

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wa), is a grain, actually a seed (known as goosefoot seed) grown in the Andes, and is a healthy substitute for white rice and pasta.
This was my first time using it in a recipe and won't be my last, I liked the texture and the nutty flavor.

Below is Heidi's recipe for her quinoa patties.

To inspire you to eat healthier and use more whole grains, I am giving away 2 copies of Super Natural Every Day.



Just leave a comment about how you are trying to be super natural, and I'm not talking about ESP, and 2 random winners will be chosen on Friday.

Quinoa Patties (adapted from Super Natural Every Day):

2 cups of COOKED quinoa (follow directions on the box), cooled
4 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup fresh snipped chives
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
salt & pepper
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs



Cook the quinoa until the little curly q's (the germ of the seed) start to curl and are translucent (about 20 minutes and water is absorbed). Make sure quinoa has cooled before you mix in with the rest of the ingredients.

Add the rest of the ingredients to a large bowl and mix in the cooled quinoa.
Season liberally with salt & pepper.

Form into patties and fry on medium-low heat in a few tablespoons of olive oil.
About 7 minutes on the first side, then flip with fish spatula and cook another 4 minutes.



Serve with a sunnyside up egg; a mashed avocado; or along side some sauteed veggies.
It's all good.



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Anonymous said…
jolie said...
i am trying my best to use local incgredients when i cook. i am also using alot of grains. the new whole foods has a bean bar! i have been inspired by these and it forces me to try new recipes each week.
May 16, 2011 at 7:32 AM
cyclingrandma said…
When our eldest son became a vegan years ago, he introduced us to quinoa. Now it's a rage. Great in salads too.
May 16, 2011 at 8:27 AM
Rachel said…
I have never had quinoa before and I am not a tofu lover either!
I would like to try some more grains and am eating more dried beans lately, and less white flour and pasta. Would love to win Heidi's cookbook. Thanks for the chance!
Rachel
May 16, 2011 at 8:28 AM
sixty-five said…
These look yummy! Like you, I eat real food - occasionally even tofu - just not when it's pretending to be something else, like hot dogs. I'm working on making more simple homemade soups - made a yummy artichoke/spinach one the other day.
May 16, 2011 at 8:59 AM
Elizabeth said…
Hi Stacey, like you I'm going for being a little bit natural - but I do read Heidi's website and love some of her recipes, and I'd love a copy of the book.
May 16, 2011 at 9:08 AM
rain said…
I actually really love tofu! I have this killer mac and cheese recipe that replaces a lot of the cheese with tofu-- it ends up being ricotta-like in texture and definitely fills my craving for mac & cheese.

And when I get a craving for other 'junk' food I make sure to make my own-- like oven baked potato chips and oven baked chicken fingers !
May 16, 2011 at 9:19 AM
Food Fairy said…
I just discovered quinoa too, and I love it! Great photos!
May 16, 2011 at 9:26 AM
Erin said…
Hi Stacey -

Love your site - I found it years ago for your "Deadhead Bread" and have stayed since for the great recipes and wonderful writing!
I too am trying to balance healthy food with real ingredients. I have started baking more with whole grains (Thanks to Kim Boyce's book) and trying to eat meatless at least one day of the week.
May 16, 2011 at 9:27 AM
Claudia said…
Love the line about not eating food in disguise. (Remembering the tofu turkey on Everybody Loves Raymond). I actually love tofu in a stir-fry - when it is supposed to be tofu. And am very fond of quinoa - of course I have a decadent recipe filled with cream and eggs and bacon - so probably downgranded the health quotient a wee bit. With my chives finally up - this will be fun to do. I do like Heidi's blog - she makes eating smart - delicious.
May 16, 2011 at 9:30 AM
PolitiGal said…
I try to do all of my shopping at the farmer's market; my philosophy is if you can't list the ingrediants, you shouln't eat it!
May 16, 2011 at 9:41 AM
nstebbins said…
These looks delicious!

I have been trying hard lately to only buy ingredients when in season, I started a compost pile, and made my garden bigger this year! Here's to fresh tomatoes!
May 16, 2011 at 9:42 AM
SarahB said…
I made a quinoa "frittata" last week with asparagus! Pretty good! Lots of chives in it too! Quinoa and chives are good friends! Also eating an apple a day...
May 16, 2011 at 9:48 AM
StaceyEsq said…
While my husband and I are trying to eat healthier, it's much more important that our 3 kids (9, 6 and 2) choose healthy alternatives. We are trying to avoid processed foods, excessive sugar and fried anything! I'm happy to say we're cultivating lovers of avocado, broccoli (and other veggies), fruit and egg white omelettes. (We also pretend we don't know what Happy Meals are or where they come from!)
May 16, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Tom @ Tall Clover Farm said…
Let's see, it's pan fried, made with cheese, eggs and breadcrumb, oh yeah, this is my kind of healthy eating. Thanks Stacey!
May 16, 2011 at 10:24 AM
Del Veccs said…
After years of trying to lower my fiance's cholesterol by limiting animal products, it turns out that limiting his wheat and gluten is the way to go. Quinoa has been added into our daily meals and this recipe looks fantastic. Can't wait to try it out.
May 16, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Joanne said…
Quinoa is one of my favorite grains! (Err uh seeds) And I've definitely been meaning to try these cakes! I'm pretty sure they'd be perfect tossed just over any salad!
May 16, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Claire T said…
I'm being super natural by trying to cook with fresh local ingredients, which is especially easy in summer with the farmer's market!
May 16, 2011 at 12:45 PM
concetta27 said…
Love Heidi's blog and would love a copy of her new book. I planted some nasturtium and try to grab a handful for my salad everyday.
May 16, 2011 at 1:43 PM
Katrina said…
love the idea of a quinoa patty! i will try it right away. eating local and teaching my kids to do the same...that's my super natural venture.

love your site!
May 16, 2011 at 1:52 PM
Tamar said…
I try to eat unprocessed real food made with real ingredients as much as I can. However I also try to keep a careful calorie balance and try not to eat a lot of energy dense foods. I mainly eat a lot of vegetables,fruit ans some grains and nuts.

Thanks for the giveaway.
May 16, 2011 at 3:19 PM
Gourmet Goddess said…
I discovered quinoa several years ago and love making a salad with the various colours it comes in . As a make from scratch cook - for "EVERYTHING" - I have spoiled my family , I am constantly looking for inspiration and a healthy takes on family meals.

I do eat tofu - but not because I am pretending it is something it is not - it is just perfect in my miso soup .

These days we need to be realistic and admit that the country has an obesity problem , and it will take a long time to turn the wave , if all families of school ages children just made the time to cook ONE made from sratch meal at home - and included some healthy options - the longterm changes will be phenomenal .

As always small steps take you a great way and by introducing just one healthy option per week - we can revolutionise how this county thinks about food.

Life is about making good choices - across the board.

take care
GG
May 16, 2011 at 4:15 PM
Oui, Chef said…
Stacey - Like you, I am not a health-nut, but do love delicious whole food. I'm also a big fan of Heidi's, and in fact, made a wheatberry salad of hers over the weekend which was killer! These cakes look like a lovely way to get this fabulous grain on the table, thanks for sharing the recipe. - S
May 16, 2011 at 5:30 PM
Amy V. said…
We too are trying to limit processed foods. We joined a local CSA this season and hope to visit some local NJ farms this summer.
May 16, 2011 at 6:48 PM
AllThingsYummy said…
We're trying to limit how often we eat out. I hate not having control over what restaurants put in my food.
May 16, 2011 at 7:17 PM
Ann from Illinois said…
I have certain "standards" like you do although I love all of the wonderful recipes that you post. I don't drink pop---ever---and I try to eat seasonal/local food. My neighbor and I share an herb garden which urges me to try recipes to fit our abundance (you can only use so much tarragon!). I gravitate to salads of any sort and I never eat out at fast food restaurants (Fast Food Nation makes you all-too-aware). I have many weaknesses, however, but you just wanted the healthy comments, right?!
May 16, 2011 at 7:56 PM
karen said…
We're pretty natural, I cook almost everything from scratch, including beans and grains. Trying to buy only local produce, which is not too hard in nor cal.
Thanks for the awesome giveaway, I would LOVE to win this book!!!

karenreichmann@hotmail.com
May 16, 2011 at 8:27 PM
Sally said…
Well, first off...no processed foods whatsoever. No cereals, granola bars (unless I made them!), soda, etc. Trying to buy local and cooking fresh everyday - basically a lot of steamed veggies, salads, and fruits.
May 16, 2011 at 8:44 PM
Allison C said…
I have been trying to use alternative grains like quinoa, farro, etc so I'm really excited to use this recipe. Looks right up my alley...especially with avocado. YUM!
May 16, 2011 at 10:19 PM
Lisa said…
The thing that helps me be as "super natural" as possible is subscribing to a CSA. A local farm gets to pick which veggies we get in the box each week, and it forces me to use things I might not ordinarily buy.
May 16, 2011 at 11:07 PM
Proud Italian Cook said…
Heidi sometimes makes me want to become vegan. I'd be happy to eat this!
May 16, 2011 at 11:38 PM
Foodiewife said…
The reason I love your blog is that we both focus on making real food. I don't mind paying 20% more to buy organic, fresh and as pure as I can get. You hate brown rice? I love it. Quinoa is something that I haven't bonded with. I can see how this recipe could change my mind. BTW, I don't eat at fast food joints, dislike soda, and Cool Whip, caked mixes and canned frosting are banned! If I'm going to eat dessert, the calories need to be worth it!
May 16, 2011 at 11:40 PM
Randi Lynne said…
I am really trying to eat more fresh fruits and veggies.
May 17, 2011 at 12:40 AM
Dana said…
Don't pick me because I already have the book but...what is up with you hating tofu??? A little knife in this vegetarian's heart. I thought you were blaming the no-eating-tofu thing on Henry. But I'm glad to see you embracing Heidi and her amazing innovative recipes. I can't wait to make this one as we are big quinoa fans around here.
May 17, 2011 at 1:43 AM
Vicki said…
I just discovered the quinoa and I'm loving it. I'd love to see the cookbook.
May 17, 2011 at 3:33 AM
Unknown said…
I am buying more produce at my local Farmers market and I'm on day 18 of my own personal challenge to make all of my meals from scratch!
May 17, 2011 at 3:37 AM
maria lucia said…
I hate soybean pretending to be something else! This is the first time I find someone agreeing with me on that :D I make great use of steaming, it's my daily cooking method.
May 17, 2011 at 4:37 AM
irene said…
Quinoa is one of the best whole grains I have ever tasted. I first tasted this years ago when I was in our local health food store and they provided me with a recipe as well. Since then I have mixed the Quinoa in many different ways. Going Organic as much as possible too! So much better tasting.
May 17, 2011 at 5:58 AM
Isabelle said…
I made your dish and I loved it! I added a sunnyside up egg and it was delicious! Lately I have ben trying to go 100% organic, all your recipes with vegetables have really helped me do that! Thanks! Heidi Swanson is one of my favorites, I would love to win her book.
May 17, 2011 at 7:20 AM
Anonymous said…
I began eating healthier, and living better 3 years ago when I began to date a hardcore environmentalist who is a true locavore! I have since become one myself. I stopped buying produce (except for lemons/limes/avocados) from other countries, and I don't purchase produce not in season. I am lucky to live near a lot of farms, so I buy from the local farmer when their farm stands open. I also recycle EVERYTHING, keep a compost, and started my own organic garden 3 years ago. When I shop, I try to buy the bulk foods, foods that are organic, and I only get grass fed meats. I get my eggs locally too...much cheaper! As a teacher, I educate my high schoolers to the dangers of Monsanto, large agri-industry meats and the impact of pesticides, fracking and loss of top soil...anyhow, I think I am pretty health oriented! Love your blog!
May 17, 2011 at 8:33 AM
Stacey D. said…
Stacey, I love quinoa especially quinoa salads! Never thought of making a quinoa cake. I will try it, sounds yummy! Tofu is a processed food of which I try to avoid not to mention other things it's not good for. If I occasionally make it in asian dishes it has to be organic/non-gmo because soy crops are heavily contaminated w/pesticides. And, fat is not the culprit people think it to be...SUGAR is! Love your blog and I like your supernatural way of cooking!
May 17, 2011 at 8:45 AM
Jacqueline said…
I also stick to all natural or organic ingredients. I try to stay away from refined sugars and processed flour or anything processed. It sometimes can be difficult, but now that spring is here it has become a lot easier with the new vegetables!
May 17, 2011 at 10:12 AM
horsepainter said…
A couple of months ago I bought some of those pasta jars and filled them with various grains. So far my favorites are quinoa and couscous, but I still need to motivate myself to try recipes for the other grains. I know these are so much better for my body -- I feel better inside than if I have a piece of french bread. That book really interests me. Hopefully it has recipes for amaranth, buckwheat, barley, and millet.
May 17, 2011 at 10:46 AM
Donna@Conghaile Cottage said…
I would LOVE,LOVE,LOVE to win the cookbook. I too make sure all the foods we eat are "REAL" food and we do love brown rice. I have seen quinoa in Costco and wanted to try it and have looked it up on line. BUT now "I TRUST YOU" so I will buy it now! LOVE,LOVE,LOVE your blog MORE than winning the cookbooks BUT I would really like them too,hehe!
How would "quinoa" be made into stuffed peppers???
Thank you so much for this recipe and the "Thumbs Up" on QUINOA...
Have a wonderful week,
Donna
May 17, 2011 at 11:03 AM
Unknown said…
Stacy~ I have a vegetable garden for the first time ever this year! Got a little excited and it is now 1200 sq. ft. I have many veggies on the way and would love some new ideas for the fresh food I plan to nourish my family with! Thank you.
May 17, 2011 at 12:36 PM
xozertim said…
Hello! I just saw your comment on Heidi's blog and wandered over here- I think I'm going to cook up some quinoa patties for dinner tonight (I've got some leftover cooked quinoa from a salad I've just made recipe here, on my brand new blog!)

I'd love a copy of super natural every day to inspire some new recipes!
May 17, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Lisa said…
I'm trying to be more supernatural by cooking from scratch more frequently. I also will be experimenting with new whole grains to add variety to our meals. Thanks for offering the book!
May 17, 2011 at 1:43 PM
~ Cee ~ said…
I'm trying to be more supernatural by eating real foods as much as possible. We're a vegetarian family, but it's easy to be lax when it comes to snacks for our little one. I've tried to focus more on things like fruits and whole-milk yogurt with unsweetened applesauce mixed in ... our daughter now says dried mango is better than candy :)
ceevegnashville [at] gmail [dot] com
May 17, 2011 at 1:58 PM
Amy K said…
I shop at my farmer's market, buy organic when it's available & within my budget, grow herbs (and am trying my hand at tomatoes and cukes this year!), and... I'm trying to kick my diet soda addiction! Also-- I cook!!
May 17, 2011 at 2:37 PM
Anne B. said…
I recently tried quinoa and I'm loving it. It's great in salads. Those quinoa patties look delicious! I like to shop at my local farmer's markets and buy some organic produce. Also I'm growing basil and thinking about either some rosemary, thyme, or mint. Thanks for the great giveaway!

amberenson(at)juno(dot)com
May 17, 2011 at 3:29 PM
What's Cookin Stacey?? said…
I love me some quinoa in many different forms. The secret is to rinse the heck out of it before you cook it!
May 17, 2011 at 3:43 PM
kakihara said…
Last weekend I started my garden, I am composting and collecting rain water for my garden.
kakihararocks@gmail.com
May 17, 2011 at 3:44 PM
Pat R said…
We are planting our garden-pesticide free. We have added more oats and grains in our diet.
May 17, 2011 at 3:54 PM
tasteofbeirut said…
I am ashamed to admit I have not tried quinoa yet; maybe I am waiting for the hype to die down, or I am just too busy consuming the bags of bulgur in my pantry! In any case, these patties look great, especially with a dab of guacamole , olé!
May 17, 2011 at 5:04 PM
Aggie said…
Quinoa cakes rock. I've seen these in Heidi's cookbook and they look awesome. I've made quinoa cakes a few times and have been adding curry powder in them, oh so good!
May 17, 2011 at 5:18 PM
Holly said…
I've been following Heidi's blog for quite some time - it does inspire you to eat a little healthier. I have been trying to make sure I am not buying as many processed items, and purchasing more fresh and organic products to prepare my meals.
May 17, 2011 at 7:15 PM
I said…
How is my family supernatural? We have a huge vegetable garden, planted with vegtables that my kids and I started from seed this winter. We compost and feed most of our kitchen scraps to our small little flock of backyard laying hens. We also make our own pasta. Cavatelli like my Sicilian Grandma taught me, put a sheet on the bed, and don't stop until it's completely covered! Love your posts, and enjoy your contests! Thanks.
May 17, 2011 at 7:18 PM
Bridgette said…
Just bought my first box of quiona!!!
May 17, 2011 at 7:24 PM
cbakaj said…
Hi Stacey,
I recently found out that my cholesterol is on the high side so I'm trying to eat more healthy foods and your quinoa recipe looks scrumptious. Thanks for a great website!
May 17, 2011 at 7:30 PM
Roxy said…
My family loves quinoa. I am feeding them lots of fruits and veggies and I cook from scratch mostly.
May 17, 2011 at 9:07 PM
Anonymous said…
Here in Northern Cal I'm eating roated veggies with brown rice (try Trader Joe's brown rice..it's not your mother's br..) and gobbling clementines at snack time. It's just me, so I can indulge myself in all of our wonderful produce. Recently had quinoa while visiting someone in the state of Maine and LOVED it. So I'll try this recipe tomorrow.
May 17, 2011 at 10:18 PM
Kadensgran said…
Quinoa is something I have just tried recently and so far am loving it. I have started collecting recipes using this ingredient. Part of my natural, healthy eating campaign. Thank so much for your great blog and recipes.
May 18, 2011 at 7:49 AM
The JR said…
I despise tofu.
May 18, 2011 at 2:14 PM
MichelleB said…
I have been eating a lot of beans, more fruits and veggies, have a large garden and like to freeze/preserve summer produce as much as I can. Thank you so much for a wonderful giveaway! -Michelle
May 18, 2011 at 2:34 PM
kat said…
I love quinoa, there is something about the texture. Gonna have to try this one too.
May 18, 2011 at 4:11 PM
morgan said…
I heart tofu, not the mushy, flavorless, I'm-trying-to-be-meat stuff, but when it's cooked and seasoned well, I heart it. I try to be natural with balance- lots of fresh produce, the occasional diet coke. Mostly buy local, but don't mind if I have a little extra dessert occasionally. Plenty of good exercise and being outdoors, and I occasionally take the elevator or look for the closest parking spot. Totally a balance that works for me.
May 18, 2011 at 7:41 PM
lisaflaey said…
I love quinoa and these cakes look amazing! I haven't really experimented with it much yet, but this is a must try!
Thanks!
I am super natural because I don't eat processed crap! I eat REAL food as it comes from nature.... well almost anyway. I think the "super" part of super natural in eating comes in the being realistic about it. I know I will eat a hotdog in the summer and I know I'll have a bite of cotton candy at the fair.... natural, yep. Super natural? You bet!!
;o)
May 19, 2011 at 7:29 AM
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