Monday, March 25, 2013

Spinach and Feta Quinoa Patties with Lemon-Dill Spread



Spinach and Feta Quinoa Patties with Lemon-Dill Spread:

Lemon-Dill Spread:

1/2 cup organic plain no-fat greek yogurt
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed organic lemon juice
2 teaspoons freshly chopped organic dill

Quinoa Patties:

1 1/4 cups cooked organic quinoa
1 tablespoon organic extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
5 oz chopped organic baby spinach
2 large organic eggs
2 oz crumbled organic feta cheese
1 tablespoon freshly chopped organic dill
1/4 teaspoon grated organic lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon freshly squeezed organic lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup organic panko bread crumbs

First, combine all ingredients for the spread and whisk together for about 1 minute. Add to serving bowl, cover and refrigerate while preparing patties to allow flavors to combine.

Cook quinoa according to directions on package and set aside 1 1/4 cup of cooked quinoa.

While quinoa is cooking, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat then add the onion and garlic, stirring for about 3 minutes until softened, not allowing garlic or onion to turn brown. Separate dill from stems and chop, setting aside 1 tablespoon. Break both eggs in separate bowl, beat, and set aside. Once onion and garlic are complete, add to large mixing bowl along with quinoa, feta, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper and mix together well. Finally, combine to mixture the bread crumbs, and let sit for 2 minutes allowing bread crumbs to absorb moisture.

Form 6 patties and place on heated grill pan, grill, or panini press. Cook until browned on each side, flipping if necessary, and cooked through to center, about 5-8 minutes. Great accompaniment to a clean protein, salad, or as an appetizer.

Nutrition Info per Quinoa Patty:

96 calories, 5.5g fat, 1.9g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 67mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 6.7g carbohydrates, 0.9g fiber, 1g sugar, 5.8g protein

Nutrition Info for 2 tablespoons Lemon Dill Spread:

19 calories, 0.05g fat, 0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 15.7mg sodium, 1.9g carbohydrates, 0.08g fiber, 4.7g sugar, 3.1g protein