Description
Delicious and healthy Quinoa Pizza Bites combine protein-packed quinoa and pinto beans with flavorful tomato paste and herbs, baked into bite-sized snacks topped with gooey string cheese. Perfect as a nutritious appetizer or snack, these pizza bites are easy to make and customizable with vegan cheese options.
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)
- Remaining 3/8 tsp salt
Topping
- 3 sticks string cheese or vegan mozzarella (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse Quinoa: Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water to remove its natural coating (saponins) which can cause bitterness.
- Cook Quinoa: In a small saucepan, bring the water, rinsed quinoa, and 1/8 tsp salt to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes until the water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- Preheat Oven: While quinoa cooks, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) to prepare for baking the pizza bites.
- Prepare Bean Mixture: Drain and rinse the pinto beans. Mash them well in a large mixing bowl using a fork. Add the cooked quinoa, tomato paste, sweetener, onion powder, minced garlic, dried basil (if using), and remaining salt. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined into a dough-like consistency.
- Form Pizza Bites: Roll the mixture into small balls with your hands. Optionally, break a small piece of string cheese or vegan mozzarella and press it into the center of each quinoa ball for a cheesy surprise.
- Bake: Place the formed bites on a nonstick or parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven on the center rack for about 20 minutes, or until the bites are slightly crispy on the outside.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy the quinoa pizza bites warm or chilled. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for extended storage.
Notes
- Rinsing quinoa before cooking improves flavor by removing bitterness.
- Use vegan mozzarella for a dairy-free version.
- These bites can be served as appetizers, snacks, or light meals.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated or frozen for convenience.
- Adjust herbs and spices to taste for varied flavor profiles.
