Mushroom Kale Quinoa Muffins {vegan, oil-free, GF}

So satisfying, and packed with nutrition, my 90-calorie mushroom kale quinoa muffins are perfect portable mini-meals! They are vegan, oil-free, gluten-free, & flourless, too.

 

 

Hi everyone! I hope that it’s been a good weekend all around for each of you. I managed to squeeze in a long run on Saturday morning (before it reached 96 degrees–where are you, fall weather???–and prior to Nick’s baseball double header),and (hallelujah!) clean out the closet in my office. I know, living large! But the latter has been nagging me for ages, so it was a gift to myself to get ‘er done.

I tried to avoid the oven as much as possible (heat!), except for the creation of these pucks. Their inspiration was simple: I’ve been craving mushrooms like crazy.

My sister-in -law’s brother-in-law (my second brother-in-law? Once removed? I am not sure, but he is a great guy) researches these and other such cravings, including how they indicate our body’s instincts to crave what it needs. I must in need of a boost of antioxidants (they are as antioxidant-packed as brightly colored fruit and vegetables), selenium (great for detoxification and reduction of inflammation), and folate (for serious cell repair).

Either that, or I simply need a punch of deep, umami flavor!

For any and all of the reason above, these mushroom pucks are pure satisfaction.

 

Savory Quinoa Muffins Made with Mushrooms & Kale

I wanted these to be worthy of an entire lunch, so quinoa co-stars (protein, fiber, whole grains) with mushrooms, adding protein, fiber,  and nutty flavor.

Kale plays a supporting role, but any number of greens–or broccoli–could take its place. It may not be as “in’ as it was a few years ago, but is still a superfood in my book.

I buy large bags of cleaned, torn kale leave and store them in the freezer for convenience (you can grab a handful for smoothies, or crumble into soup or a scramble); I don’t have to worry about using the big bag in a hurry, either (i.e., it won’t turn into an unrecognizable entity in the vegetable crisper).

To keep this recipe streamlined, the mushrooms and kale (along with some green onions, for extra flavor) are chopped fine in the food processor and then added straight into the bowl with cooked quinoa; no need to sauté.

The only remaining ingredients are flax “eggs” to hold everything together and some salt & pepper. That’s it!

Healthy Highlights of Mushroom Kale Quinoa Muffins

These muffin-size meals are:

• Vegan (egg-free and dairy-free)
• Oil-free
• Gluten-free
• Flourless
• Rich and meaty-tasting (thanks to the mushrooms & quinoa)
• Good source of plant protein
• High fiber  (serious satisfaction for hours)
• Loaded with vegetables
• Full of vitamins and minerals (iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, thiamin, & vitamins A, B6 & C)

Trust me, the sum is far greater than the parts!

Here’s to a great week, everyone–happy baking!

More Quinoa Muffins and Snacks:

1. Vegan Quinoa Muffin Tin Burgers {oil-free, gluten-free}
2. Multi-Seed Quinoa Crackers {vegan, gluten-free}
3. Vegan Quinoa Omelet Muffins (vegan, high-protein, gluten-free}
4. Vanilla Quinoa Pudding {vegan, gluten-free}
5. Cinnamon Quinoa Oat Muffins {vegan, gluten-free}
6. 3-Ingredient Banana Quinoa Muffins {vegan, GF, oil-free}
7. 4-Ingredient Chocolate Quinoa Muffins {vegan, oil-free, GF}
8. Blueberry Quinoa Oat Muffins {vegan, oil-free, GF}
9. Chocolate Chip Banana Quinoa Muffins {vegan, GF, flourless}