At least once a day I fight the urge to rip open the refrigerator and shout, Mooo-om, do we have anything to eat?! but refrain from doing so because, well, I’m the Mom! Seriously though, do you ever have those weeks when you open the cupboard and refrigerator a hundred times, praying they’ll be magically full of the foods you’re craving on the 101st time? I usually try and keep fresh fruit and vegetables in the refrigerator, but sometimes I want something more substantial than a snack and don’t have the patience to make a meal. Enter Mini Mushroom and Swiss Quinoa Cups! If you’ve been reading IGE for a few years then you know how obsessed I am with mini quinoa cups. Past cup adventures include Ham and Cheese, BLT, and even Pizza! Packed with protein from cooked quinoa and eggs in the mix, they’re fun, filling, and perfect for breakfast, a light lunch, or as a snack. Plus they’re freezer-friendly. Did I mention completely addicting? I can hardly help myself around these cutie patooties!
This mushroom and swiss version is one of the best. Quinoa simmered in chicken broth is paired with freshly shredded swiss and parmesan cheeses, and sauted mushrooms spiked with lots of dried thyme and tons of garlic. I’m surprised any of the mushrooms actually made it into the mix as I was shoveling them into my mouth like a heathen straight out of the skillet. That is to say, they are so darn delicious!
I’ve been eating these cups as snacks but also for breakfast lately. My old standby is 2 over-medium eggs, 3 Jones Dairy Farm sausage links (which I found in bulk at Costco – one of the best moments of my life,) and cauliflower hash browns, but it’s always good to switch things up a bit. Plus, who wouldn’t want to start their day with the magical combination of mushrooms and garlic?
Start by adding 1/2 cup dry quinoa that’s been rinsed and drained to a small saucepan with 1 cup boiling chicken broth. Place a lid on top then turn the heat to medium-low and cook until tender, about 15 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly. Meanwhile, in a skillet next door, melt 2 Tablespoons butter over medium-high heat then add 8oz chopped mushrooms, 1 chopped shallot, salt and pepper, and then saute until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender, 5-7 minutes. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1-1/4 teaspoons dried thyme (garlicky, herby mushrooms – be still my heart!) then saute for another minute. Mushrooms = done! Set ’em aside to cool slightly.
Once the quinoa and mushrooms are slightly cool, add them to a big bowl with 1 cup freshly shredded swiss cheese, 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, and 2 eggs + 2 egg whites that have been whisked together.
Mix everything up then scoop into a 24 count mini muffin tin that’s been sprayed to within an inch of its life with nonstick spray. Trust me – spray, spray, spray – there is nothing worse than having these little gems stick to the pan after coming out of the oven!
Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes, or until light golden brown on top, then cool in the tin before popping out and into your awaiting mouth. Store extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days or cool completely then freeze flat in a Ziplock bag!
To eat the cups from the freezer just place a few on a plate then cover with a paper towel and microwave for 20-40 seconds for a near instant breakfast, lunch, or snack. Enjoy!
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