Description
Quinoa Pizza Bites are a delicious and nutritious snack combining fluffy quinoa, savory pinto beans, and rich tomato paste, seasoned with herbs and spices. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or on-the-go snack, these bites are optionally stuffed with string cheese or vegan mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/3 cup raw quinoa (50g)
- 3/4 cup water (180g)
- 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
- 1/2 tsp salt (divided)
- 2 tsp dried basil (optional)
- 3 sticks string cheese or vegan mozzarella (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Rinse the raw quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove the natural saponins that can cause bitterness.
- Cook Quinoa: In a small saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa, 3/4 cup water, and 1/8 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- Preheat Oven: While the quinoa cooks, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) to prepare for baking the pizza bites.
- Prepare Bean Mixture: Drain and rinse the canned or cooked pinto beans thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, mash the beans well with a fork. Add the cooked quinoa, tomato paste, remaining salt, sweetener, onion powder, minced garlic, and dried basil if using. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Form Pizza Bites: Roll the mixture into balls using your hands. If desired, tear off a small piece of string cheese or vegan mozzarella and press it into the center of each ball, then reshape to enclose the cheese.
- Bake: Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with nonstick spray or parchment paper. Bake on the center rack for about 20 minutes, or until the exterior is slightly crispy.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the quinoa pizza bites warm or cold. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse quinoa properly to avoid bitterness.
- You can use any sweetener of your choice such as honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute.
- For a vegan option, use vegan mozzarella or omit cheese altogether.
- Baking time may vary depending on your oven; watch for a crispy exterior.
- These bites make great meal prep snacks that reheat well in the oven or microwave.
