Description
These Quinoa Pizza Bites are a healthy, savory snack combining fluffy quinoa, protein-rich pinto beans, and flavorful tomato paste, baked to perfection with a crispy exterior. Perfect as a nutritious appetizer or on-the-go treat, they can include gooey string cheese or vegan mozzarella for a melty center.
Ingredients
Scale
Base 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)
Seasonings
- 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)
Optional
- 3 sticks string cheese or vegan mozzarella
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Rinse the raw quinoa thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer under running water to remove its natural saponins, which can cause bitterness.
- Cook Quinoa: In a small saucepan, bring the water, rinsed quinoa, and 1/8 tsp of salt to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- Preheat Oven: While the quinoa is cooking, preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit (176° Celsius) to prepare for baking the bites.
- Prepare Bean Mixture: Drain and rinse the pinto beans. In a large mixing bowl, mash the beans thoroughly using a fork. Add the cooked quinoa, tomato paste, remaining salt, sweetener, onion powder, minced garlic, and dried basil if using. Mix everything until well combined.
- Form Bites: Roll the mixture into small balls to form the pizza bites. If you’d like a cheesy center, break off a small piece of string cheese or vegan mozzarella and press it firmly into the center of each ball before sealing the dough around it.
- Bake: Place the formed bites onto a baking sheet lined with nonstick spray or parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven on the center rack for about 20 minutes or until the exterior is slightly crispy.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy your 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 well to avoid bitterness.
- You can substitute sweetener with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative as preferred.
- The cheese is optional and can be omitted or replaced with a vegan option for a dairy-free snack.
- These bites can be served as appetizers, snacks, or a light meal component.
- Consider adding herbs like oregano or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
