Quinoa and Lentil Veggie Nuggets with Sweet Potato Fries
These quinoa and lentil veggie nuggets are a healthy and delicious way to get your protein and fiber. They're made with a combination of quinoa, lentils, vegetables, nuts, and herbs, and they're baked until golden brown. Serve them with sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
The inspiration for these quinoa and lentil veggie nuggets came to me one day when I was trying to find a way to use up some leftover quinoa and lentils. I had already made a batch of sweet potato fries, and I thought it would be fun to create a vegetarian dish that would pair well with them. I started by combining the quinoa and lentils with some chopped vegetables, nuts, and herbs. Then, I added an egg and some bread crumbs to bind the mixture together. I formed the mixture into nuggets and baked them until they were golden brown. The result was a delicious and nutritious dish that was perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Prep time: 20 | Cook time: 40 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
1 cup lentils
1 cup chopped vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onion)
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, cilantro, or basil)
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Cook quinoa and lentils according to package directions.
In a large bowl, combine quinoa, lentils, vegetables, nuts, herbs, bread crumbs, and egg. Mix well.
Form mixture into 12-15 nuggets.
Place nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
While nuggets are baking, make sweet potato fries. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Cut sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick fries. Toss fries with olive oil and salt and pepper. Spread fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Why It Works
The combination of quinoa and lentils provides a complete protein, meaning that it contains all of the essential amino acids that your body needs.
The vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish.
The nuts add healthy fats and protein.
The herbs add flavor and antioxidants.
Baking the nuggets until they are golden brown creates a crispy exterior and a tender interior.