Description
These Quinoa Pizza Bites are a delicious and healthy snack featuring protein-packed quinoa and pinto beans combined with savory tomato paste and spices. Baked until slightly crispy, they make a perfect bite-sized treat, optionally stuffed with string cheese or vegan mozzarella for an extra cheesy surprise.
Ingredients
Scale
Quinoa Mixture
- 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), drained and rinsed
- 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)
- 1/2 tsp salt (remaining)
Additional
- 3 sticks string cheese or vegan mozzarella (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Rinse the raw quinoa thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water to remove the natural saponins that can cause bitterness.
- Cook Quinoa: In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, water, and 1/8 tsp of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- Preheat Oven: While quinoa is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) to prepare for baking the pizza bites.
- Prepare Bean Mixture: Drain and rinse the pinto beans well. In a large mixing bowl, mash the beans thoroughly with a fork. Add the cooked quinoa, tomato paste, sweetener, onion powder, garlic, dried basil (if using), and remaining salt. Mix everything until evenly combined.
- Form Balls: Take portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. If desired, cut small pieces of string cheese or vegan mozzarella and press them into the center of each ball for a cheesy core.
- Bake the Bites: Arrange 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 exterior is slightly crispy.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy your quinoa pizza bites warm or cold. Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze them to extend shelf life.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa is important to remove its natural bitterness caused by saponins.
- For a vegan option, use vegan mozzarella instead of string cheese.
- You can customize seasonings to your taste by adding chili flakes or Italian seasoning.
- These pizza bites make great party appetizers or healthy snacks on the go.
- Freezing leftovers can prolong their freshness beyond five days.
