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Hi.

Welcome to The Whimsical Wife. Thanks for popping in to share my adventures in the kitchen, in my home and my workshop as I Cook, Create & Decorate. 

Tasty Tuesday.... Moroccan Quinoa Cakes

I was reading a post at the Fruitful Life the other day about a 'A Challenge' for this wonderful spring & summer season. Lacey wrote that she wanted to "rebuild and replenish her body" after months of breastfeeding and letting things get on top of her. She decided to do something about it by writing a list of things she wanted to implement over the next month or two to help her feel more energised and fit.


 

Do you feel like that after enduring winter, colds and flu season and general life? A need to replenish and rebuild your body? Maybe lose a few of those extra kilo's that seem to appear out of no where over those winter months. You feel run down, stressed, overwhelmed and just plain worn out. As Lacey said in her post "I look in the mirror or at a photo of myself. Who is this gaunt, haggard woman with bags under her eyes?" I laughed at this because I feel the same way... only not the gaunt look - I think I look at photos/or in the mirror and go... Who is this pudgy looking person, with bags under her eyes! :-)

 

It got me thinking about eating better for my body and writing my own list of things that I want to achieve over these next few months. At this point in my life I am not aiming to lose weight. I will one day write a post of why that is because believe you me I want to truly lose about 5 kg but it wouldn't be right for my body at this point.  So here is my Top 10 things I want improve fo my well being - physically & spiritually!.

1. Consistant exercise: Walk 2-3 times a week/Swim 1 x Week. 
2. Start drinking 1 x fresh vegie juice a day.
3. Give myself a facial once a week/ or spend 30 min on "Me" time.
4. Drink more water!
5. Eat raw vegies when I get the arvo munchies! (Not reaching for the biccies)
6. Spend 10-20 minutes in the sun.
7. Start writing in my prayer journal again/spending more quality time with God! 
8. Memorize a bible verse a month!
9. Eat a better breakfast: - more protein/less sugary cereals.
10.Take time to stop & smell the roses with my hubby!


Number 11 on my list would be to make these Moroccan Quinoa Cakes for dinner. 
What is quinoa you may ask?
qui·noanoun /ˈkēnwä/ : Pronounced "KEEN-wah." A tiny, ancient grain cultivated by the Incas that is still grown extensively in the Andean region of South America. Quinoa is high in protein and nutrients and can be used like rice or couscous. You can find quinoa in the health food section at your local supermarket.
It's natures superfood and a great addition to salads, stirfrys or even used at breakfast instead of porridge. It can be used in a multitude of ways and making these delicious Moroccan Quinoa Cakes is a great way to use any leftovers up that you may have in your fridge.



These little cakes are super delicious by themselves but I have one extra special addition to add to them.... Roast Pumpkin Hummus! It's creamy, delicous and just finishes the dish off nicely. I haven't posted the recipe for this today... it will be coming but normal hummus will suffice in the mean time! This dish would be a great start for your "healthy" eating plan and they're really easy and quite cheap to make.








Moroccan Quinoa Cakes

by The Whimsical Wife
Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 3-4 minutes each side
Makes:10-12 patties

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups pre-cooked quinoa see note
  • Zest, 1 x large lemon
  • 4 Tbsp pine nuts, roasted
  • 2 Tbsp sultanas/or raisons
  • 1 large carrot, grated (or zucchini)
  • ½ cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 2 Tbsp fresh mint
  • 4 Tbsp cornflake crumbs/or bread crumbs
  • 4 Tsp Moroccan Spice see below
  • 1 Tbsp Honey, warmed until runny
  • 100g feta
  • 4 eggs
Moroccan Spice Blend:
  • 2 Tsp each of:
  • Ground cumin
  • Ground coriander,
  • Paprika
  • Ground ginger
  • 1 Tsp each of:
  • Ground white pepper
  • Turmeric
  • ¼ Tsp each of:
  • Chilli
  • Ground nutmeg
  • ½ Tsp Cinnamon you can add more if you like the cinnamon flavour.
  • Mix all spices together and store in a jar.
Instructions
In a large bowl place the quinoa, lemon zest, pine nuts, sultanas, carrot, spinach, mint, honey, crumbs and spices.
In a small bowl place the eggs and beat until combined, crumble the feta into the egg mixture and mash together. Season with salt and pepper.
Mix the egg & feta mixture into the quinoa and mix until thoroughly combined. If the mixture is to runny add some more cornflake or bread crumbs.
Grease six egg rings and set aside. Heat a large fry pan on the stove with some olive oil. Place the egg rings into the sauce pan and fill with quinoa mixture. Flatten the top with an egg flip.
Cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes until nicely browned. Flip over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and gently run a knife around the edge of the ring to release the cake. Repeat until all mixture has been used.
Serve warm with fresh salad and roast pumpkin hummus.

Cooks Note: To cook quinoa – Rinse one cup of quinoa under water and strain. Place in a saucepan with two cups of chicken stock/or water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the liquid has soaked up completely. Remove from heat and rest for 20 minutes until grains are light and fluffy. Fluff up with fork. This recipe is best made with quinoa that has been cooked the day before.
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So what is your goals to replenish and rebuild your body? Would love to hear about them!






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