Description
These Quinoa Vegetable and Cheesy Baby Bites are a delicious, nutritious snack or appetizer featuring fluffy quinoa mixed with sautéed peas, spinach, fresh thyme, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Baked until golden and crispy on the outside, these bite-sized morsels are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or a light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Grains
- 130 g quinoa (3/4 cup)
- 400 ml water
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1/2 medium red onion, 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
Other
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180ºC (350ºF) to get it ready for baking the baby bites.
- Cook Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa well under running water using a sieve. Bring 400 ml of water to a boil in a pot, add the quinoa, cover with a lid, and simmer gently for 10 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Drain any excess water if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add diced onion and crushed garlic. Fry until fragrant and translucent. Add frozen peas, stirring until they soften. Use a masher to gently squash the peas for a more textured mixture. Stir in the chopped spinach and fresh thyme leaves, then remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the egg lightly. Add the cooked quinoa, sautéed vegetables, and grated mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Form Bites: Using a tablespoon or small scoop, shape the mixture into bite-sized balls and place them spaced apart on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake the bites in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool completely before serving to ensure they hold together well and are safe to eat.
Notes
- Ensure quinoa is well rinsed to remove any bitterness before cooking.
- You can substitute mozzarella with any mild shreddable cheese according to preference.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt and pepper to the mix before baking.
- These bites can be served warm or cold and pair well with a yogurt-based dip or tomato sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven or microwave.
