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Mozzarella-Quinoa Patties with No-Cook Tomato Sauce

As these patties cook, the mozzarella cheese browns and creates a deliciously crisp crust. Prepare the sauce while the patties chill and let it stand at room temperature so the flavors blend.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 4; 2 patties and 1/4 cup sauce per serving

Ingredients

Patties

1 1/2 cups water
1 cup uncooked prerinsed quinoa
1 cup shredded or grated low-fat mozzarella cheese (about 4 ounces)
2 large egg whites
1/4 cup plain dry bread crumbs (lowest sodium available)
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Cooking spray
2 teaspoons olive oil

Sauce

1 large tomato (about 10 ounces), chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 small garlic clove, minced
Pinch of pepper

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium saucepan, stir together the water and quinoa. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

    Step 2

    Spread the quinoa in a thin layer on a large piece of wax paper. Let cool for about 10 minutes (you don’t want it to be hot enough to cook the egg or melt the cheese). Transfer to a medium bowl.

    Step 3

    Stir in the remaining ingredients for the patties.

    Step 4

    Lightly coat a 1/4 cup measuring cup with cooking spray. Spoon enough mixture into the measuring cup to lightly pack. Invert onto a small baking sheet. Repeat to make 7 more patties. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

    Step 5

    Meanwhile, in a food processor or blender, process the sauce ingredients until coarsely chopped. Set aside.

    Step 6

    In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the chilled patties for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and browned.

    Step 7

    Serve the sauce at room temperature with the patties.

  2. Nutrition information

    Step 8

    (Per serving)

    Step 9

    Calories: 286

    Step 10

    Total fat: 9.0g

    Step 11

    Saturated: 2.0g

    Step 12

    Trans: 0.0g

    Step 13

    Polyunsaturated: 2.0g

    Step 14

    Monounsaturated: 4.0g

    Step 15

    Cholesterol: 10mg

    Step 16

    Sodium: 284mg

    Step 17

    Carbohydrates: 36g

    Step 18

    Fiber: 5g

    Step 19

    Sugars: 2g

    Step 20

    Protein: 16g

    Step 21

    Calcium: 295mg

    Step 22

    Potassium: 423mg

  3. Dietary Exchanges

    Step 23

    2 1/2 starch

    Step 24

    1 1/2 lean meat

American Heart Association Low-Salt Cookbook, 4th Edition
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