Description
These Quinoa Pizza Bites are a healthy and delicious snack made with cooked quinoa, pinto beans, and tomato paste, seasoned with spices and optional cheese centers. They’re baked until crispy on the outside, making a perfect savory treat that’s great served hot or cold.
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)
Optional Cheese Filling
- 3 sticks string cheese or vegan mozzarella (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa: Thoroughly rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove any bitter saponins.
- Cook quinoa: In a small saucepan, bring water, quinoa, and 1/8 tsp salt to a boil. Immediately reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (176°C) to prepare for baking the pizza bites.
- Prepare bean mixture: Drain and rinse the pinto beans. In a large mixing bowl, mash the beans well using a fork. Stir in the cooked quinoa, tomato paste, onion powder, minced garlic, dried basil (if using), remaining salt, and sweetener until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Form balls: Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. If using cheese, break off small pieces and press one piece into the center of each quinoa ball to create a cheesy filling.
- Bake: Place the formed balls on a nonstick or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake on the center rack of the oven for 20 minutes or until the outsides are slightly crispy.
- Serve and store: Enjoy these savory quinoa pizza bites hot or cold. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze for longer-term storage.
Notes
- Ensure quinoa is well rinsed to remove bitterness.
- If you prefer a vegan option, use vegan mozzarella or omit cheese entirely.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; additional herbs like oregano or red pepper flakes can add extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- These bites make great meal prep snacks or party appetizers.
