Charquican Bites with Quinoa

Instructions

1. 1Place the 0.5 cup Quinoa in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over high heat (204.4°C / 200°C), then reduce the heat to low (93.33°C / 95°C), cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes until fluffy and all liquid is absorbed. Set the cooked quinoa aside in a separate bowl.
2. 2Heat the 1 tablespoon Olive Oil in a large (e.g., 30.48 cm) skillet over medium-high heat (176.7°C / 175°C) until it shimmers. Add the 0.5 medium Onion, cut into 0.635 cm dice, and the 2 cloves Garlic, minced. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
3. 3Add the about 225 g Ground Beef to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat (176.7°C / 175°C), breaking it up with a spoon, for 5-7 minutes until it is no longer pink and has browned. The internal temperature should reach 71°C. Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. 4Add the 0.5 cup Diced Carrots (cut into 0.635 cm dice), 0.5 cup Diced Green Beans (cut into 0.635 cm pieces), and 0.5 cup Diced Potato (cut into 0.635 cm dice) to the skillet with the beef mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender when pierced with a fork.
5. 5Stir the cooked 0.5 cup Quinoa, 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cumin, 0.5 teaspoon Dried Oregano, 0.25 teaspoon Salt, and 0.125 teaspoon Pepper into the skillet with the beef and vegetables. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
6. 6Reduce the heat to medium (148.9°C / 150°C) and let the mixture simmer in the skillet for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
7. 7Remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully shape the warm mixture into 6 small, round patties, each about 5.08 cm in diameter and 1.27 cm thick.
8. 8Carefully wipe out the skillet with a paper towel. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon Olive Oil to the clean skillet and heat it over medium-high heat (176.7°C / 175°C) until the oil shimmers. Carefully place the 6 patties into the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and heated through. The internal temperature of each patty should reach 71°C.
9. 9Serve the Charquican Bites warm immediately.

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