Gluten Free Kale Quinoa Burgers

I have a love/hate relationship with quinoa.  I'm not a big fan of the texture or taste, but I'm a huge fan of its nutritional components.  It's healthy and my husband likes it.  Can't beat that!

Most people have heard about quinoa.  It's been an up-and-comer over the last several years, and it's loaded with fiber and minerals but does not contain any gluten.  Some of the minerals in quinoa include manganese, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, iron, potassium, zinc and B Vitamins.  Quinoa also contains lots of flavonoids, which contain antioxidant properties, as well as contains all the "essential" amino acids.  This makes it a complete protein, just like meat, cheese, yogurt, fish, milk and eggs. 

Another great fact about quinoa is that it is gluten free.  There had been some debate about whether quinoa was tolerated by those with celiac disease.  According to new research from The American Journal of Gastroenterology, quinoa does not exacerbate the condition.  This data was collected from 19 celiac patients who consumed 50 grams of quinoa every day for six weeks, using whichever cooking method was preferred by the patient.

One way I do like quinoa is packed in burger form.  Combined with good seasonings and flavors, you can create great snack patties or use them for a meal.  They go great with salad or on the side of a main dish.  Today, I made kale quinoa burgers for my husband, Ray, to take to work accompanied with a yummy, kefir-based salmon spread that he could put on the quinoa patties.  Here is my kale quinoa burger recipe- packed with awesome nutrients from other superfoods too!

Kale Quinoa Burgers

(makes 12 patties or more- depends on how big you want them to be!)

1 cup quinoa

5-6 large kale leaves

4 large eggs, beaten

small white onion, diced

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 tsp Himilayan sea salt

1 tsp cumin

2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

1/2 lemon (squeeze for juice)

1 cup almond meal

6 tbsp EVOO

1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, and I did not include in this batch)

Combine all the ingredients listed above in a bowl and mix well.

I added the nutritional yeast last to help thicken the mixture.

Boom! Just throw on the stovetop, and it takes just a few minutes for the patties to cook!  

Enjoy!

Blessings,

Lindsay