Description
These Quinoa Pizza Bites are a healthy and savory snack that combines fluffy quinoa, creamy pinto beans, and tangy tomato paste with aromatic spices and optional cheese. Baked to perfection, they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Quinoa Mixture
- 1/3 cup raw quinoa (50g)
- 3/4 cup water (180g)
- 1/2 tsp salt, divided
Filling
- 1 cup canned or cooked pinto beans (240g)
- 1/2 cup tomato paste (120g)
- 1 tsp sweetener of choice (5g)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tsp dried basil (optional)
- Salt (remaining 3/8 tsp)
Optional
- 3 sticks string cheese or vegan mozzarella
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Rinse the raw quinoa under cold running water using a fine mesh strainer to remove any saponins that can cause bitterness.
- Cook Quinoa: In a small saucepan, bring the water, rinsed quinoa, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt to a boil.
- Simmer Quinoa: Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or until the water is completely absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) to prepare for baking the bites.
- Prepare Filling: Drain and rinse the pinto beans. Mash them thoroughly with a fork in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked quinoa, tomato paste, onion powder, minced garlic, dried basil (if using), the remaining 3/8 teaspoon salt, and sweetener. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Form Bites: Shape the mixture into small balls. If desired, break off a small piece of string cheese or vegan mozzarella and press it into the center of each ball for a gooey surprise.
- Bake: Place the quinoa balls on a nonstick or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 20 minutes, or until the bites are slightly crispy on the outside.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the quinoa pizza bites warm or at room temperature. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them for longer storage.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa is important to remove the natural coating called saponins which can impart bitterness.
- The cheese in the center is optional and can be substituted with vegan mozzarella to make the recipe dairy-free.
- These bites reheat well in the oven or microwave.
- They are suitable as a protein-rich snack or appetizer.
- Adjust seasonings according to your taste preference.
