Quinoa Burgers

YUM, YUM, YUM!!!  I saw THIS recipe from CanYouStayForDinner for Quinoa Burgers, and knew right away that they would be on my table very soon.  (Side note: You MUST check out this blog!  Her story is so inspirational and real!  I can't wait to try more of her delicious looking recipes!)  Oh Quinoa, how do I love you... let me count the ways... If you aren't familiar with Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wah) read a previous post about it here.  I love the stuff!  I've used it for all sorts of side dishes, in soup, salads & now "burgers"!  Mr. B was pretty excited about the idea of Quinoa Burgers (he's a big Quinoa fan too).  I made the recipe exactly as written and they were great!!  I had mine in a lettuce "bun" but for Mr. B I got some Thin Buns.  One bite into it and I knew we had a winner.  We both uttered several complements in between bites.  In fact, he (the guy who hates leftovers and repeat meals) requested that I use the rest of the mixture for tonight's dinner.  Can't beat that... one prep time, 2 dinners.

If you are a fan of Quinoa, or have yet to try it, give this one a shot.  Maybe your diners will be asking for more too!  Enjoy!

Loaded Quinoa Veggie Burgers
From: Can You Stay For Dinner

•1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
•1 carrot, diced
•4 scallions, sliced
•2 cloves garlic
•15 ounces can black beans, drained and rinsed
•1/4 cup Italian seasoned dried breadcrumbs
•1 large egg, lightly beaten
•1 tablespoon ground cumin
•¾ teaspoon salt
•½ teaspoon pepper
•2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

In a small pot, bring 3/4 cup water to a boil. Add quinoa, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook until liquid is absorbed, 12 to 14 minutes; set aside.

In a food processor, pulse carrot until finely chopped.  Add cooked quinoa, scallions, garlic, beans, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, salt, and pepper; pulse until combined but still slightly chunky.

Form mixture into four patties. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium; cook burgers until browned, about 8 minutes per side.

Makes 4 Patties

Serve in a lettuce "bun" or Whole Wheat Thin Buns for low cal options.  (The recipe as written is 7 Weight Watchers Points+ per patty.)