We’ve curated a list of 10 mouthwatering quinoa recipes that are not only packed with essential nutrients but are also sure to tickle those tiny taste buds.
Cheesy Quinoa Bites
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cheddar cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form small bite-sized balls or patties and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Colourful Quinoa Salad Bowls
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- Assorted diced vegetables (bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa and diced vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa and vegetables, tossing gently to combine.
- Serve in individual bowls, allowing kids to create their colourful combinations.
Also Read: Fun Fruit-Based Recipes for Kids to Try
Sweet Potato and Quinoa Patties
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, mashed sweet potatoes, breadcrumbs, egg, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until a uniform mixture forms.
- Shape the mixture into patties and pan-fry in a lightly oiled pan until golden brown on each side.
- Serve with a favourite dipping sauce.
Quinoa Pizza Bites
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Favourite pizza toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix cooked quinoa, tomato sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Spoon the mixture into mini muffin tins, forming small cups.
- Top each cup with the remaining mozzarella and your favourite pizza toppings.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Berry and Banana Quinoa Porridge
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 banana, sliced
- Honey or maple syrup for sweetness (optional)
- Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat the milk until warm.
- Stir in the cooked quinoa and continue to heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and top with mixed berries, sliced banana, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if desired.
Chicken and Vegetable Quinoa Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup diced chicken breast
- Assorted vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a wok or large skillet, sauté diced chicken until cooked through.
- Add assorted vegetables and minced garlic to the pan, stir-frying until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Stir in cooked quinoa, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
- Continue to stir-fry until all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
- Serve immediately.
Also Read: Fun Veggie-Based Recipes for Kids to Try
Chocolate Chip Quinoa Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
- 1 cup quinoa flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together quinoa flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well.
- Fold in the cooked quinoa and chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Creamy Broccoli and Quinoa Soup
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a pot, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until softened.
- Add broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring to coat.
- Gradually whisk in the broth and milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Stir in cooked quinoa and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the soup has thickened and the broccoli is tender.
- Serve hot.
Quinoa and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, cumin, chilli powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each bell pepper half with the quinoa mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm.
Also Read: 10 Nutritional Benefits of Apple for Children
Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Muffins
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup quinoa flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, whisk together quinoa flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, combine cooked quinoa, applesauce, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into muffin cups and bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Allow muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Also Read: Incorporating Brussels Sprouts into Children’s Diets
EuroSchool urges parents to embark on a culinary adventure with quinoa, making healthy eating an enjoyable experience for both you and your little ones.
