Mini Pizza Quinoa Bites

I love the idea of quinoa bites so I keep trying different recipes - too dry, too bland, just plain yucky. I finally found a winner in this one from Heidi @ Food Doodles. They are delightful, easy to prepare and fun finger food for family or guests.

48 mini pizza bites

 

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked quinoa cooked in 2 cups water
• 4 large handfuls fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 6oz can tomato paste
• 3-4 large cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp good quality extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp fennel seed
• 1 tsp marjoram
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp dried parsley or other herb of choice
• ¼ tsp maple flakes
• ½ tsp sea salt
• dash black pepper

 

Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa and combine with water in a small pot over high heat. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. The quinoa should be tender and completely cooked. Add the chopped fresh spinach, mix it all up and close the lid.
2. Remove the pot from heat and leave covered for another 5 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 2 mini muffin tins and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, combine the tomato paste with the garlic and onion, water and olive oil. Mix well. Add all the seasonings including salt and pepper. Mix well again before adding the quinoa and spinach. Once the mixture is completely mixed, taste for seasonings and add more as needed.
5. Divide the mixture evenly among 48 mini muffins and press down. Place in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes (my oven requires more time).
6. Remove from the oven, add your favorite toppings (vegan cheese, nutritional yeast, veggies, veg pepperoni) and place back in the oven for 5-10 minutes.