Quinoa Meatballs

By á-1025

Ingredients

• Quinoa – 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (uncooked)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1 tbsp
• Crushed Red Pepper – 1/2 tsp
• Onion – 1 small (chopped)
• Garlic – 2 cloves (chopped)
• Thyme – 1 tsp
• Baby Bella Mushrooms – 8 ounces (chopped)
• Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce – 3 tbsp (or use your favorite marinara)
• Black Pepper – 1/4 tsp
• salt to taste
• Parmesan Cheese – 3 tbsp
• Fresh Basil – 3 tbsp
• Organic Egg – 1
• Italian Style Bread Crumbs – 1/4 cup

Preparation

Step 1

1. Start by cooking the quinoa. This is what you should have once it is done. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
2. Chop the onion, garlic, and mushrooms.
3. Heat a large skillet on medium heat, once hot, add a tablespoon of EVOO, add crushed red pepper and wait till you hear a sizzle.
4. Add the onion and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until soft, just a few minutes.
5. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for about 30 seconds.
6. Add the mushrooms and season with salt. Allow the mushrooms to cook for about 10 minutes or until browned.
7. Once the mushrooms brown, add 3 tbsp of Marinara Sauce.
8. Stir all the ingredients together and turn off the stove. Save the skillet for later use.
9. At this time preheat the oven at 350 degrees.
10. Add the quinoa to a mixing bowl.
11. Add the sautéed mushrooms to the quinoa.
12. While the mushrooms cool, grate some parmesan cheese and chop some basil.
13. Add the cheese and basil to the quinoa and mushrooms.
14. Add the breadcrumbs and egg.
15. Mix all the ingredients so everything is well incorporated.
16. Coat a baking tray with Sunflower Oil. Dampen your hands and use a 1 tablespoon measurement to form little quinoa balls.
17. You should have around 18. Into the oven for 15-25 minutes, however I baked mine for 25 minutes. Oven temperatures vary so check after 15 minutes and then every 5.
18. While the quinoa meatballs bake, you can cleanup, and then heat a pot of water for the pasta, and chop up some basil.
19. Once the patties are done, using a flat stainless steel turner “gently” scrape the quinoa meatballs off the baking tray.
20. Add the quinoa patties to the original skillet you were using.
21. Turn on the stove, once hot, add a teaspoon of EVOO and crushed red pepper, wait for the pepper to sizzle.
22. Now add your favorite Marinara Sauce.
23. Season with very little salt (if need be) and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
24. Add a handful of the chopped fresh basil leaves.
25. Cover with a lid and simmer on low heat (dial #3). About 7 minutes.
26. Follow the instructions on the box and cook the spaghetti until perfectly al dente.