Description
Delicious and nutritious Quinoa Vegetable and Cheesy Baby Bites, perfect as a healthy snack or appetizer. These bite-sized treats combine fluffy quinoa, sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to golden perfection in just 45 minutes. Ideal for family gatherings or meal prep, they offer a tasty way to enjoy wholesome ingredients in a fun, easy-to-eat form.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 130 g quinoa (3/4 cup)
- 400 ml water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 red onion, medium and finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 large handful frozen peas
- 1 large handful fresh spinach leaves, finely chopped
- 4-6 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180ºC (350ºF) to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your bites are ready to bake.
- Cook the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under running water using a sieve. In a pot, bring 400 ml of water to a boil, add the quinoa, cover with a lid, and simmer for 10 minutes until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is light and fluffy. Drain any excess water if necessary.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced red onion and crushed garlic, frying until fragrant. Then add the frozen peas and cook until they start to soften. Use a masher to gently squash the peas, breaking them up. Stir in the chopped spinach and fresh thyme leaves, then remove the pan from heat.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk the egg. Add the cooked quinoa and sautéed vegetable mixture along with the grated mozzarella cheese. Stir everything thoroughly to combine evenly.
- Form the Bites: Take a tablespoon-sized amount of the mixture and shape it into small balls. Place each ball onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake: Put the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the bites turn golden brown on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool completely on a wire rack before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Quinoa can be rinsed in a fine mesh sieve to remove its natural bitterness before cooking.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or substitute with a low-fat cheese option for a lighter bite.
- These bites can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg replacer and use vegan cheese.
- Adding finely chopped herbs like parsley or basil can enhance the flavor profile.
