Recipe: Black Bean and Quinoa Meatless Balls

Total Time: 25 minutes

Yield: 3 serving(s)

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (any variety follow the directions on the package)
• 1 cup black beans
• 1/2 green pepper
• 1/4 small red onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 jalapeño with seeds (leave out if you don't like spice)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or 1 tablespoon cilantro paste
• For Yogurt Dipping Sauce
• 1 small container plain Greek yogurt
• 5 fresh mint leaves minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Rince and cook 1/2 cup dry quinoa according to the directions on the package. It will yield 1 cup cooked quinoa.
2. In food processor add green pepper, red onion, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, and salt/pepper. Blend until all ingredients are chopped.
3. Add in black beans, parmesan cheese, and pulse a few times to mix.
4. Add in cracked egg, bread crumbs, and quinoa. Mix with a spoon or spatula.
5. Add olive oil to pan and heat on medium. you can either spoon in balls, or make them with your hands. I think using the spoon is best.
6. Fry approximately 8 minutes per side. You will need to turn the balls a few times so they brown all around.
7. Add Yogurt dipping sauce ingredients in a small mixing bowl and serve on the side for dipping, or serve with fresh salsa or dipping sauce of your choice.

Nutrition Information Per Serving