Quinoa Encrusted Sweet Potato Balls

on June 14, 2010
in All Posts

Looks funny…

IMG_6631
Tastes amazing!

IMG_6636 

Have you tried my Flax Encrusted Sweet Potato Balls?  It’s one of my favorite recipes!  The only change I made to the recipe today was using raw quinoa instead of ground flax.  The quinoa is still crunchy after baking, but not too hard – it softens a lot after being cooked next to the moist sweet potato.

 

Ingredients (serves 1):

 

  • 1/4 cup black beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
  • 1/2 large baked sweet potato, mashed
  • 3 tablespoons salsa
  • 1/4 cup of rinsed (raw) quinoa
  • Ketchup for garnish 

 

Directions:

 

  • Pre-heat oven to 350.
  • Mash together salsa, sweet potato, and black beans.
  • Form mix into five balls.
  • Spread out ground flax in a low bowl and roll each ball in the quinoa, coating completely.
  • Place balls on greased cookie sheet.
  • Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, rotating once.
  • Garnish with ketchup and enjoy!

IMG_6630

I had cherries and broccoli on the side.

 

Back to work I go!

 

PS – Only 50 days until the Operation Beautiful book comes out (but you can pre-order it now on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Indie Bound).   Thanks to everyone who ordered it already!

 

PPS – Mary is doing an awesome raffle for the cutest workout clothes!

{ 65 comments }

 

  • Gavi @ GaviGetsGoing! June 14, 2010, 12:49 pm

    Three of my favorites combined: sweet potatoes, black beans, and quinoa. Yes, please! 🙂

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs June 14, 2010, 12:50 pm

    They look amazing! I did the flax ones (and LOVED them) so I’ll definetly be doing this version 😀
    Have a good afternoon!

  • kalli@fitandfortysomething June 14, 2010, 12:51 pm

    these look so good! i have been on a sweet potato frenzy lately…….i have a lara bar giveaway on my blog today 🙂

  • Katie @ peacbeme June 14, 2010, 12:52 pm

    This recipe looks very interesting…I am trying to incorporate more quinoa into my diet. And I can’t wait to get some summer cherries! They are my favorite fruit (besides green apples!).

    Caitlin, I am continually impressed by how dedicated you are to your blog. You read all your comments and answer many of them even though you must be so busy. I am planning to post my first Operation Beautiful note today. 🙂 We are about the same age and I am amazed by how much you have already accomplished.

    • caitlin June 14, 2010, 12:56 pm

      thank you so much for such a sweet comment. i love running the blog and getting to meet so many awesome people 🙂

      send me your OB note!!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday June 14, 2010, 12:52 pm

    Isn’t the quinoa tough when it’s raw?

  • Jessica @ How Sweet June 14, 2010, 12:52 pm

    Does the quinoa cook at all, or stay crunchy?? I’m intrigued!

    • caitlin June 14, 2010, 12:57 pm

      it becomes a little soft after baking next to the moist sweet potato!

  • Lindsay @ The Ketchup Diaries June 14, 2010, 12:53 pm

    Yum! These sound so tasty. I’m obsessed with anything sweet potato!

  • Wei-Wei June 14, 2010, 12:54 pm

    :O Sweet potato balls! I LOOOOVE sweet potatoes. Gosh. And quinoa! How does it taste raw? I’ve noticed that you like eating a lot of grains raw (quinoa, oats). Have you ever considered a raw diet?

    Hope you’re having a great Monday! 🙂

    Wei-Wei

    • caitlin June 14, 2010, 12:58 pm

      No way 🙂 I like too many foods cooked!

  • jenny (green food diaries) June 14, 2010, 12:55 pm

    i have all the ingredients! i think i will be making this very soon…

  • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story June 14, 2010, 12:55 pm

    Oh this looks yummy and I have all of the stuff to make it at home already. This may be tonight’s dinner. 🙂

  • lisa June 14, 2010, 12:58 pm

    Those sound so good. I just had a sweet potato with my lunch; too bad I didn’t read this beforehand. 🙂

    I didn’t know you can eat quinoa raw…interesting.

  • Little Bookworm June 14, 2010, 1:02 pm

    Those sound amazing! I am hoping to try the Flax ones at some point this week. 🙂

  • Callie @ Callieflower Kitchen June 14, 2010, 1:06 pm

    Ahhhhhh this is where I saw the flax-encrusted sweet potato balls!! I was beginning to think I was going insane and imagined reading about them! Now I feel better lol 🙂

  • Mama Pea June 14, 2010, 1:08 pm

    I was going to ask if the quinoa stays crunchy. I can’t even get it soft enough for my grandma dentures when I boil it in a pan for 30 minutes.

    (I don’t really have dentures…yet…)

    50 days!?! GAH!!!!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) June 14, 2010, 1:14 pm

    those almost look like dessert!!! i’ve heard those balls are amazing (TWSS) but i know i need to try them soon!

  • Madeline - Greens and Jeans June 14, 2010, 1:16 pm

    I definitely giggle every time I see the word “ball.” I am 12 years old. I have all the ingredients for these so I will have to give them a shot!

  • Christy June 14, 2010, 1:25 pm

    Looks great! I will go home and try this tonight!!!

  • Dorry June 14, 2010, 1:28 pm

    One of the most creative recipes I’ve seen in some time! It incorporates several of my favorite foods.

  • A from Despues I Do June 14, 2010, 1:32 pm

    Yum! What a super creative way to enjoy sweet potato!

    Am I 12 for saying I want your balls in my mouth?

  • Mindy @ just a one girl revolution. June 14, 2010, 1:32 pm

    Those look delish! Can’t wait to give them a shot!

    Any idea from making them before with flax if they good reheated if I were to make a couple servings at once?

    • caitlin June 14, 2010, 5:50 pm

      i heard they reheat very well!

  • Lindsay @ Summit Sandwiches June 14, 2010, 1:33 pm

    I see that your book is being released on my birthday! Lol! I had no idea it’s only 50 days till my bday. Maybe I can buy your book as b-day gift to myself? Can’t wait till it’s released… 🙂

  • Robyn @ Frugal 'n' Fit! June 14, 2010, 1:48 pm

    I would never think to coat sweet potatoes in quinoa which is yet another reason why I read food blogs.

    I will definitely be checking out your book!

  • Lauren (Clean Eats in the Dirty South) June 14, 2010, 1:55 pm

    those look epic!! i must try those!! 🙂

  • Camille June 14, 2010, 2:00 pm

    I loooove sweet potato balls! So amazing!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine June 14, 2010, 2:14 pm

    Ahh I’m so excited for your book release! I already ordered my copy on Amazon 🙂 Hope you’re having a wonderful Monday!

    • caitlin June 14, 2010, 5:50 pm

      THANKS!!!!!!!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter June 14, 2010, 2:15 pm

    I love the flaxballs, but I bet the crunch from the quinoa is so great and makes them even better.

  • Catherine June 14, 2010, 2:25 pm

    What an interesting use of quinoa – I’ve gotta try this one!!

  • Elizabeth June 14, 2010, 2:34 pm

    Do you use a cherry pitter? I bought one at Williams-Sonoma this weekend and it literally changed my life! 🙂

  • claire June 14, 2010, 2:37 pm

    Those look heavenly…especially with black beans, sweet potato, and quinoa involved…mmm. Cherries and broc are faves too of course!

  • Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards) June 14, 2010, 2:45 pm

    You always post the most original and awesome recipes! I have never tried quinoa and can’t get it or sweet potatoes where I live, but I am definitely saving this to come back to. 🙂 and there’s nothing better than yummy food that is also cute, like these!!!

  • Miranda @ Mirandasjeans June 14, 2010, 3:08 pm

    50 More days! Wow that’s just around the corner! That must be uber exciting! Congrats!

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman June 14, 2010, 3:12 pm

    Awesome! I just restocked my quinoa so I’m totally making this!

  • stayingafloat June 14, 2010, 3:19 pm

    Sounds delicious! you are so creative with the quinoa, i am trying out some roastin’ with it later today!

  • jane June 14, 2010, 4:01 pm

    are you still planning on going to physical therapy school?

  • Libby June 14, 2010, 4:11 pm

    Thanks for the recipe Caitlin. I am definitely going to give these a try.

    Liby

  • Nicole, RD June 14, 2010, 4:16 pm

    Those look delicious! And fun! 🙂

  • Jenna June 14, 2010, 4:20 pm

    Those balls look yummmm! Must try soon!

  • Julie @ Pickley Pear June 14, 2010, 4:36 pm

    Great recipe, I’m always looking for sweet potato recipes besides Sweet Potato Fries!

  • Cheryl June 14, 2010, 4:58 pm

    They sure look beautiful!! I would never have thought the quinoa would soften enough!

  • Sarah Soon-To-Be June 14, 2010, 5:07 pm

    This looks awesome I can’t wait to try it! Thanks so much for sharing – am a new reader and L-O-V-E your blog!

    • caitlin June 14, 2010, 5:53 pm

      thank you! 🙂

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) June 14, 2010, 6:03 pm

    Oh I have seen these before and they look WONDERFUL! I will definitely have to make them! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing June 14, 2010, 6:07 pm

    Wow those sound SO GOOD!

  • Kellie June 14, 2010, 6:10 pm

    I am always so impressed with how you just mix ingredients and make fantastic dishes.

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople June 14, 2010, 6:16 pm

    I’m super excited for your book to come out! I have been waiting for what seems like forever. It is truly such an amazing website and I love going there. Especially when I am having a “fat” day.

  • Jessica June 14, 2010, 6:44 pm

    I just made your quiona casserole with chickpeas cause that is what i had open….this is really good…i have dipping sauces (no pasta sauce) of BBQ, Ketchup, spicy mustard….super yummy…once again you have amazed me

  • Kristina June 14, 2010, 6:45 pm

    you must be SO excited for your book and the awesome press it has already received… such an amazing concept… I have been thinking of where I could post an OB note in Portland, OR… 🙂

    I am going to try these quinoa balls, they look delicious… thanks for the recipe.

  • Erin June 14, 2010, 7:00 pm

    I work at a bookstore up in Canada (Chapters… Indigo/Coles/etc) and I plugged your name in yesterday out of curiousity. And there it is! Pre-order available, releases August 10th.. so there’s an option for Canadian readers!

  • Naomi(onefitfoodie) June 14, 2010, 7:07 pm

    uhmazing!! i love this verion! i bet it woul dbe great rolled in millet too! (which I have so much of in my house!!)

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin June 14, 2010, 7:09 pm

    These look like such a fun way to switch things up from the usual baked sweet potato or fries. I can’t wait to try these. 🙂

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) June 14, 2010, 7:55 pm

    You are so creative! I love the idea of this recipe and will definitely be trying it soon. 😀

  • maxinthegym June 14, 2010, 8:10 pm

    Oh wow those look really good! I can’t wait to try them! I’ve been having way too many sweet potato fries!

  • jane June 14, 2010, 8:50 pm

    thanks for the response!! good luck to you in whatever you choose to do!

  • Nora@LifeLifeEatRight June 14, 2010, 9:08 pm

    This looks so amazing! I just bought some black beans, I’ll have to try it out soon!

  • Tammy @ Defining Wellness June 14, 2010, 9:30 pm

    That is awesome! Definitely saving that one in the recipe files.

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie June 14, 2010, 10:04 pm

    hahahahaha, balls….sorry, I’m such a junior high boy.

    Really, I’ve been meaning to make these and I always have quinoa around and rarely have ground flax so this should be a good enough motivation.

  • Melissa @ For the Love of Health June 14, 2010, 11:43 pm

    Those look amazing! I LOVE quinoa!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) June 15, 2010, 1:03 am

    Raw quinoa!!! Cool!!! They look good to me 🙂

  • Kelly June 17, 2010, 4:10 pm

    Those look amazing! I’m getting a bit tired of the same old ways of eating sweet pots, (baked whole or baked fry-like) so I will definitely try this out.

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