Description

These Quinoa Pizza Bites combine nutrient-packed quinoa and pinto beans with tomato paste and spices to create a delicious, handheld snack. Perfectly baked to a crispy outside while remaining soft inside, they can be made with or without cheese for a vegetarian option. Ideal for a healthy snack or party appetizer, these bites offer a unique twist on traditional pizza flavors in a convenient bite-sized form.

Ingredients

Scale

Quinoa Mixture

1/3 cup raw quinoa (50g)
3/4 cup water (180g)
1/8 tsp salt (divided)

Bean and Flavor Base

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
1/2 tsp salt (remaining)
2 tsp dried basil (optional)

Optional Cheese Filling

3 sticks string cheese or vegan mozzarella (optional)

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Instructions

Rinse Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer to remove the natural saponins, which can impart a bitter taste.
Cook Quinoa: In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, water, and 1/8 tsp salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Simmer Quinoa: Once boiling, cover the saucepan, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa becomes fluffy.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) to prepare for baking the pizza bites.
Prepare Bean Mixture: Drain and rinse the pinto beans thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, mash the beans well with a fork. Add the cooked quinoa, tomato paste, onion powder, minced garlic, dried basil (if using), sweetener, and the remaining salt. Mix everything evenly to create a cohesive dough.
Form Balls: Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls. If desired, tear off a small piece of string cheese or vegan mozzarella and press it into the center of each ball for a cheesy surprise.
Bake Bites: Place the quinoa balls on a nonstick or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake on the center rack in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the bites develop a slightly crispy exterior.
Serve and Store: Enjoy the savory quinoa pizza bites immediately, either hot or cold. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze for extended storage.

Notes

Rinsing quinoa removes natural bitterness from saponins, enhancing flavor.
For a vegan version, substitute string cheese with vegan mozzarella or omit cheese entirely.
Sweetener can be sugar, honey, maple syrup, or any preferred sweetener to balance acidity.
These bites can be customized with additional herbs or spices to suit your taste.
Leftovers freeze well and make for an easy grab-and-go snack.