“When I went grocery shopping with my mom, I came across quinoa in the grains aisle, so we decided to try it,” says Devanshi. “I guess it tastes really good, so my mom and I created a burger recipe, which includes quinoa, a good source of protein. My healthy and delicious recipe can be served with a side dish of Super Scrumptious Strawberry Salad,” which has spinach, strawberries, and red onion. - Devanshi Udeshi, age 12, Texas

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups of water
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs, unseasoned
• 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup chopped carrot
• 1/3 cup chopped green beans
• 1/3 cup sweet corn
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 whole wheat hamburger buns
• For garnish: Avocado, lettuce, and tomato

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a medium saucepan combine the quinoa, 2 cups of water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the cilantro, bread crumbs, onion, egg, carrot, green beans, corn, feta, garlic, oil, cumin, pepper, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and stir to thoroughly combine. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes so the bread crumbs can absorb some moisture.
3. Divide the mixture into 6 even parts and shape each one into a 1-inch-thick patty. Arrange the patties on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Flip the patties over and continue baking until light brown, about 5 minutes. Serve the patties on the buns, garnished with avocado, lettuce, and tomato.

346 calories; 12g protein; 57g carbohydrates; 9g fat (2g saturated fat); 552mg sodium

More information about the Kids' State Dinner:

• Check out the other winning 2013 Kids' State Dinner Recipes here.
• Learn more about Kids' State Dinner here.