Baked Quinoa Brie Cakes with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

As much as I enjoy vegan meals, there are times when only cheese will do. Paneer, creamy goat cheese, brie, feta and extra old Cheddar are just a few of my favorites. Here brie is incorporated with some grain to make some baked savory cakes served with some basil pesto.

Baked Quinoa Brie Cakes with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on September 22, 2017 Rich baked savory quinoa and brie cakes with sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms and herbs served with a basil pesto Preparation: 40 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes Print this recipe Cakes: 1 cup quinoa (3 cups cooked) 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes, drained and finely chopped 1/2 oz (14 g) dried mushrooms, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes, drained and finely chopped 1/3 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted 6 oz (180 g) brie cheese, rind removed and cut into pieces 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried) 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/4 teaspoon cayenne 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste fresh ground black pepper Pesto: 1/2 cup fresh basil 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes, drained and finely chopped 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted 1/4 cup olive oil juice of 1 lemon (3 tablespoons) Instructions: Rinse the quinoa and soak for 8 hours or overnight in 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat, let stand for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and transfer to a large bowl to cool. While the quinoa is cooking and cooling, prepare the remaining ingredients for the cakes and pesto including soaking the sun-dried tomatoes and dried mushrooms and toasting the pine nuts in an unoiled pan over medium-low heat, tossing frequently. When the quinoa has cooled to room temperature, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat an oven to 425°F. Add all of the remaining cake ingredients into the quinoa and stir until well combined. With wet hands, shape the quinoa mixture into small cakes roughly 3-inch in diameter and transfer to the baking sheet. Bake until browned, about 12 minutes per side. While the cakes are baking, pulse together all of the ingredients for the pesto in a food processor until combined. Serve the hot brie cakes with pesto on the side. Makes 10 cakes

Other baked savories from Lisa's Kitchen you may enjoy:
Baked Mushroom Arancini
Baked Quinoa Falafel Bites
Spicy Baked Chickpea Koftas
Baked Chickpea Kofta Tacos with Avocado and Harissa