Ever since discovering the health benefits of quinoa, I started using it instead of rice or bread crumbs in meatballs and stuffed vegetables. Not only is quinoa gluten-free, it’s also rich in protein and contains all the amino acids that make it a complete protein.
Packaged quinoa sold in supermarkets are rinsed thoroughly to remove the saponin but I like to rinse and soak it not only to remove some of the remaining saponin but also to activate the natural enzymes, so if you have time, soak quinoa for about an hour or rinse well before adding to the meat mixture.
Baking the meatballs in the oven at high temperature makes cleaning a breeze and to save some time (and energy) I use a cookie scoop for appetizer size meatballs and larger ice cream size scoop for serving as a main course but they would be equally delicious pan fried too.
- 1 lb. extra lean ground beef
- ¼ cup quinoa
- ½ cup parsley, finely chopped
- 1 medium onion, grated
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp sea salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, peeled and quartered
- 2 carrots, peeled
- 2 celery stalks
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 28 oz. diced tomatoes or 3 cups peeled, diced fresh tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cook the quinoa with ½ cup of water in a small saucepan, let it cool.
Preheat the oven to 425F; line a baking sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
In a bowl, combine the ground beef, quinoa, parsley, onion and the seasonings, form into meatballs and place on the baking sheet, bake until they are cooked and browned, almost charred around the edges.
While the meatballs are baking, make the sauce; finely chop the onion, carrots, celery and garlic in a food processor. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan, sauté the vegetables until tender and start to take on a light colour, add the tomatoes and the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper and let it simmer over low heat until thickened.
Serve the meatballs with the dipping sauce on the side or add the meatballs to the sauce and cook for a few minutes or so right before serving.
Dün bir kase kinoa haşlamıştım, hemen köfte yapayım akşama. Sosu da çok güzel olmuş, ellerine sağlık Megi’ciğim.
I absolutely love this idea of using quinoa in the place of breadcrumbs!
Megi, your meatballs look absolutely delicious…love the quinoa in it!
Thank you for including a dipping sauce as well. I think it is a great idea to dip the meatballs in the sauce….and if… only if… there’s any leftovers, they would be great simmered in the tomato sauce for a meal the next day. Sounds delicious!
Yum, I’m always looking for new ideas to use quinoa and using it to replace breadcrumbs opens up whole new world of possibilities!
Lovely, I want some
Adding quinoa to the mix is SUCH a great way to sneak some whole grains into your life! These look delicious.
These look SO good Megi. I have been using quinoa for everything too but I hadn’t thought of using it uncooked in place of breadcrumb. I will definitely try this. I must say…I’m missing meat while I’m on the detox.
Megi, These look delicious!! I love Quinoa and what a great idea to add it as a filler like bread crumbs or rice. I can’t wait to try these. Happy Mothers Day! Enjoy your weekend!
What a great way to use quinoa. I’d never have thought of that, but it’s brilliant. Thanks for sharing!!
These are so creative! I need to start eating more quinoa.
Brilliant… another way I could use quinoa in my pantry. I used it as salad, and none of my kids (and hubby)were keen on quinoa
Thank you…
What a great idea to use an ice cream scoup for meatballs, I’ve been always shaping them by hand, will try your method next time
. I also should try quinoa instead of bread. Last time I made meatballs with shredded tofu instead of bread, it was also pretty good. Beautiful photos, as always 
Sevgili Megi ;
Gönülden merhabalar..
Antep fıstıklı kurabiyelere mi bakayım , yoksa bu nefis köfteciklere mi , şaşırdım ?
Hepsi birbirinden leziz görünüyor. Ellerine / emeğine / yüreğine sağlık.
Kucak dolusu sevgilerimle
I love the idea of using quinoa instead of breadcrumbs. I have a bag of quinoa but haven’t tried it yet. Great idea!
There may be some thing wrong with your links. You should have somebody check out it.
Bahsettıgın quınea nedır turkçesı?
Yael, quinoa bircok markette satiliyormus Istanbul’da.