yam quinoa cakes

Sweet & Savoury Yam Quinoa Cakes

OK. I have to start off by explaining how this recipe came about. Hint- I think you’ll relate and appreciate.

Although I strive to have lunch prepped most days, sometimes it just doesn’t happen. I’m sure this is the case for most of us. But am I going to let that get in the way of me or YOU eating healthy?

NO WAY JOSE

I created this recipe because I wanted myself and you, to be able to enjoy a homemade clean, delicious meal on your plate in 5 minutes or less. Yes, or less!

I pictured the process to be like splattering paint on to a canvas. You grab a bowl (canvas), throw in (splatter) a handful of greens, a couple of these cakes, drizzle with balsamic and BAM! You have yourself a Paul Jackson Pollock of meals.

Of course, it doesn’t look like a Paul Jackson Pollock painting, it looks like a delicious hearty salad but you get the point.

sweet potato quinoa cakes

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

  • The process of making these cakes is incredibly easy but after you’ve made them, your grab and go meals are even easier!!
  • Naturally slightly sweet from the yams which will help avoid post meal munchies or sweet tooth
  • Loaded with benefits as you’ll read below 🙂 
  • Enjoy them on their own as a snack, in a salad or even in a wrap!

A NUTRITIONIST’S CHOICE:

Yam/Sweet Potato is a complex carbohydrate. Unlike simple carbohydrates (think white bread, white pasta, candy bars, etc that have been stripped from fibre and nutrients) complex carbohydrates are extremely important in maintaining a healthy diet. Fiber-rich complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, potatoes, beans, oatmeal, 100 percent whole-wheat bread, quinoa, and barley, provide the fuel for our brains and muscles to function optimally.

Sweet Potatoes and are loaded with antioxidants that help our body fight on inflammation and free radicals.

Gut health– Most foods contain either soluble or insoluble fiber but both of our staple ingredients in this recipe, sweet potato and quinoa, contains both! Quinoa and sweet potatoes contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. These types of fiber provide nutrients that help feed our gut flora. Of course, what fiber is most commonly known for, is helping regulate bowl movements. This is incredibly important for our over all health but these types of fiber also aid in weight loss, balancing blood sugar levels and lowering risk of type 2 diabetes.

Garlic and onion- The perfect low calorie, nutrient dense way to flavour any dish! Garlic and onions have antiviral properties meaning they aid in killing off harmful viruses. They also contain high amounts of vitamin C that further support our immune systems.

True story time!

I once chewed a raw garlic clove everyday while on vacation as my whole family became ill due to a airborne illness. I however. did not fall ill to the sickness. It also could have been that no one would come within 5 ft of me.

I’ll chalk it up to the garlic!

While this recipe won’t have you worried about garlic-breath, it will have you wondering how you can make more for easy grab and go meals.

TIP

Batch cook this recipe storing the leftover cakes in the freezer. Pull out as needed the night before.

I enjoyed these cakes with arugula and balsamic vinegar but feel free to play around with different leafy greens and dressings.

sweet potato quinoa cakes

Sweet Potato Quinoa Cakes

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Course dinner, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 16 cakes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 yams
  • 1/2 cup quinoa dry
  • 2 flax seed eggs mix 2 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of water
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup shallots finely chopped
  • 1/2 tbsp ground pepper
  • 1 tsp salt sea/rock/Himalayan

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375
  • Add quinoa and 1 cup of water to a pot. Simmer for 15 minutes until all liquid as been absorbed
  • Chop yams and boil in a large pot for 15 minutes or until easy to puncture with a fork
  • Make flax seed egg and chop shallot
  • Once yams are cooked, add to a bowl and mash until smooth consistency
  • Add cooked quinoa, cranberries, flax seed egg, salt, pepper and shallot. Mix well
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and make 16 small cakes placing them on the sheet
  • Bake for 40 minutes until slightly crispy on the outside
  • Allow to cool before enjoying!
Keyword quinoa, snack, yam

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With a full 360 holistic approach to nutrition, fitness and lifestyle, nutritionist, health coach, and trainer, Chara Marie has helped women all over achieve their health, wellness, and weight loss goals.

Through easy to follow programs, one on one coaching and a good sense of humour,  she helps you discover, connect, and unleash your inner bad-ass, body confident babe.

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