Welcome to a delightful adventure of taste and nutrition with our crispy kale and quinoa balls recipe. These bite-sized treats are packed with flavour, easy to make, and perfectly suited for air frying, offering a modern twist on a classic British snack.
Why Kale and Quinoa?
Kale is a superfood that's bursting with vitamins A, K, C and rich in calcium, while quinoa offers a complete source of protein. Both ingredients make these balls not just delicious but also incredibly healthy, aligning with the nutritional preferences of many health-conscious cooks in the UK.
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 150g quinoa
- 1 bunch kale, de-stemmed and finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 100g grated cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 100g breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Oil spray (for air frying)
Instructions:
- Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water. Cook it as per package instructions, usually in a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio. Let it cool.
- Prep the Kale: Blanch the kale in boiling water for about 2 minutes, drain, and pat dry. Then, finely chop it.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, sauté onions and garlic until they are soft and translucent. Allow them to cool.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, kale, sautéed onions and garlic, cheese, eggs, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the Balls: Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a walnut.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 200°C. Lightly spray the quinoa balls with oil and arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions:
These delightful quinoa balls can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a main dish. Pair them with your favourite sauces like mint yoghurt dip or tangy tomato chutney for an extra burst of flavour.
Tips for Perfection:
- Experiment with flavours: Consider adding spices like cumin or coriander for a different taste profile.
- Cheese Options: For a cheesier rendition, try using feta or parmesan.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Nutritional Benefits:
This recipe provides essential nutrients from both kale and quinoa. Kale contributes to improved digestion and heart health, while quinoa supports muscle growth and repair, making it a wholesome, balanced choice for meals.
Conclusion:
These crispy kale and quinoa balls are an ideal option for anyone looking to add more plant-based ingredients to their diet without sacrificing taste or ease of preparation. Perfect for mindful UK home cooks, they're as satisfying as they are healthful. Gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and get ready to enjoy this delightful dish.