My pantry is choking with whole grain jars – that’s how I stock my shelves. Whole grain forms a substantial part of our day to day food. Although I enjoy other ‘good’ foods often, I try to balance the effect by going with whole grain for the rest of the week. The addition are quite simple, but such additions go a long way in enhancing our health. To see some of my recipes with whole grain refer here.

Most of my lunches are with whole grains – Barley,Cracked wheat,Spelt,Brown rice,Quinoa etc. That being said, I try to add variation to these grains so that I don’t feel deprived of “Good” foods. Variety is the name of the game, where healthy diet is concerned. Fool the brain into thinking that it is indeed enjoying “healthy” foods and its not boring/bland etc. Among the whole grains, another thing which plays a major role in my diet is Protein. I am always looking out for ways to bring these together in harmony that the result is appetizing without having to add the unnecessary enhancers like “Butter”,”Oil”,”all purpose flour” etc. These Baked Quinoa and Mixed bean croquettes are perfect for all the stated reasons. I had the 15 bean soup mix in my pantry and thought why not blend this and my usual quinoa together to form these patties. I dint want to fry them (beats the whole purpose), hence baked and the result dint make me feel deprived. Try it – you won’t feel that way too.

Method

Soak the beans overnight ( or at least for 6 hours).Drain and cook until cooked. I use pressure cooker since cooking that way helps to lose the least nutrients possible.Its alright if they turn mushy.

Cook the quinoa on the side. Set aside.

Drain the beans well – should have water.

Always make sure to use only sufficient amount of water to cook the legumes. Helps to retain the nutrients. Mash them well – a potato masher helps.

Add the cooked quinoa and the seasoning along with Panko bread crumbs. Mix well to form patties. If its too watery, add some breadcrumbs to thicken it. If too thick, add the cooked bean water/plain water to bring it to the correct consistancy.

Form into small balls and pat them down on a bed of bread crumbs to coat them well.

Place them on a greased Baking sheet

and bake them in a 375F oven for about 30-45 minutes until golden brown.

Turn them half way so that both the sides cook well. They are good on their own, but you can also serve them as a side for your salad/soup or simply as a snack with Yogurt sauce. Ketchup would work well too.

This is my entry for “Baking event” hosted by Foodwithme

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