Description
These Quinoa Pizza Bites are a healthy, savory snack that combines protein-rich quinoa and pinto beans with flavorful tomato paste and herbs. Baked to crispy perfection, they make a delicious appetizer or on-the-go treat, optionally stuffed with melted string cheese or vegan mozzarella for an extra cheesy surprise.
Ingredients
Scale
Quinoa Base
- 1/3 cup raw quinoa (50g)
- 3/4 cup water (180g)
- 1/2 tsp salt, divided
Bean Mixture
- 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)
- Additional 1/2 tsp salt
Cheese (Optional)
- 3 sticks string cheese or vegan mozzarella
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Rinse the raw quinoa thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer to remove the bitter saponins on its surface.
- Cook Quinoa: In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, water, and 1/8 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- Preheat Oven: While quinoa cooks, 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 bowl, mash the beans thoroughly with a fork. Add the cooked quinoa, tomato paste, onion powder, minced garlic, dried basil (if using), the remaining salt, and sweetener. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Form Bites: With your hands, roll the mixture into small balls. If desired, tear off a small piece of cheese and press it into the center of each ball, then reshape around the cheese to enclose it.
- Bake: Arrange the formed balls on a nonstick or parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the sheet on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the quinoa bites become slightly crispy on the outside.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the quinoa pizza bites warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa is important to remove its natural bitterness.
- You can substitute the sweetener with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative as desired.
- Using vegan mozzarella makes this recipe suitable for a vegan diet.
- The bites can be served hot for melty cheese or cold as a portable snack.
- Freezing the baked bites extends their shelf life; thaw before reheating.
