Description
Quinoa Pizza Bites are a healthy, savory snack made with cooked quinoa, pinto beans, and tomato paste, seasoned with herbs and spices. These bite-sized treats are baked until slightly crispy on the outside and can be enjoyed hot or cold, making them perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a wholesome snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Quinoa Base
- 1/3 cup raw quinoa (50g)
- 3/4 cup water (180g)
- 1/2 tsp salt (divided)
Beans & Seasoning
- 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)
- 1/2 tsp salt (remaining)
Cheese (Optional)
- 3 sticks string cheese or vegan mozzarella sticks
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Rinse 1/3 cup of raw quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove its natural bitter coating called saponins.
- Cook Quinoa: In a small saucepan, bring 3/4 cup of water, rinsed quinoa, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Preheat Oven: While the quinoa cooks, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Prepare Bean Mixture: Drain and rinse 1 cup of pinto beans. In a large mixing bowl, mash the beans with a fork until mostly smooth. Add cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup tomato paste, spices (onion powder, minced garlic, dried basil), the remaining salt, and 1 teaspoon of your preferred sweetener. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Form Bites: Roll the mixture into small balls. If using cheese, press a small piece of string cheese or vegan mozzarella into the center of each ball to create a cheesy core.
- Bake: Place the quinoa balls on a nonstick or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the center rack of the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the outside is slightly crispy.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy your quinoa pizza bites hot or cold. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa removes bitterness and improves flavor.
- Adjust sweetener according to your taste preference.
- Adding dried basil is optional but adds a pleasant Italian flavor.
- You can substitute string cheese with vegan mozzarella for a dairy-free version.
- These bites can be served as appetizers, snacks, or lunchbox treats.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
