quinoa "meatballs" + andy's easy marinara

forgive me, my devoted readers (all five of you...) for leaving you recipe-less for an entire weekend. last week's "i love you" day holiday and weekend visitors to toulouse left little time for extra curricular activities such as this.

today, andy had the afternoon and evening off - hooray! - so we took full advantage of his freedom by doing plenty of running around and errand-accomplishing. ending our outing with a quick trip to caliceo - aka thermal bath heaven - we found ourselves back at home and seriously hungry.

enter: quinoa "meatballs"

these meat-free bad boys are super easy (disclaimer: must be willing to get your hands dirty), absolutely delicious, and the perfect addition to a plate of whole wheat pasta covered in marinara. i think i'd like to try serving these little guys over some spaghetti squash but perhaps that's a challenge to take on stateside...

quinoa "meatballs"

you'll need...

3/4 cup uncooked quinoa

1-2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tablespoon thyme

1 teaspoon oregano

salt and pepper

3 tablespoons tomato paste

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/3 cup grated parmesan

then you'll have to...

preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit and line baking sheet with parchment paper.

combine quinoa with 1 1/2 cups water and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes (or until all water is absorbed). transfer quinoa to medium mixing bowl and set aside.

heat olive oil in large frying pan over medium heat. add onion, salt, and pepper, and cook until soft. add garlic, thyme, and oregano, and cook for 1 minute.

stir in tomate paste and cook for 1 minute. remove from heat and scrape mixture into bowl of quinoa. let cool for 5 minutes.

add eggs, breadcrumbs, and cheese to quinoa and mix thoroughly. spoon out 1 tablespoon portion-size "meatballs" onto prepared baking sheet.

bake for 15-20 minutes and serve immediately.

note: this recipe makes about 32 "meatballs"

andy's easy marinara

you'll need...

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

2 15 oz. cans crushed tomatoes

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

salt and pepper

2 teaspoons oregano

2 teaspoons white sugar

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

then you'll have to...

heat olive oil and butter in large skillet over medium-high heat.

when butter is melted and bubbling, add onions and cook for 4-6 minutes. add garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes.

add both cans of tomatoes, oregano, and sugar. bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer and cover for 10 minutes.

add chopped basil and cook for 3-5 minutes.