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Quinoa Veggie Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 118 reviews

These Quinoa Veggie Bites are a delicious, nutritious, and versatile snack or appetizer made from cooked quinoa, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Perfectly crisp on the outside and tender inside, they can be baked or pan-fried to suit your preference. Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors, these bites are ideal for a wholesome snack, party platter, or light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (approx. ½ cup uncooked, cooled)
  • 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 1 large carrot)
  • 1 cup finely grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini), excess moisture squeezed out
  • ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion (about ½ small onion)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Binders and Flavor Enhancers

  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, or nutritional yeast for vegan)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed, or almond flour for grain-free)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten (or 2 flax eggs: 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water, let sit 5–10 mins)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

Cooking

  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying, optional if baking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse ½ cup uncooked quinoa and cook it with 1 cup water or broth by bringing it to a boil, then simmering covered for about 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let it cool completely to prevent the mixture from becoming too sticky.
  2. Prep the Vegetables: Finely grate the carrots and zucchini. Place the zucchini in a towel or paper towels and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid soggy bites. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooled quinoa, grated carrots, squeezed zucchini, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
  4. Add Binders and Seasonings: Add shredded cheese (if using), breadcrumbs, chopped parsley or cilantro, beaten eggs or flax eggs, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
  5. Mix Thoroughly: Using hands or a sturdy spoon, gently combine until all ingredients are evenly mixed and the mixture holds together when pressed. Avoid overmixing to prevent toughness.
  6. Chill the Mixture (Optional): Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and the mixture firm up, making shaping easier.
  7. Shape the Bites: Using a small cookie scoop or hands, form about 20-24 small patties or balls of approximately 1-2 tablespoons each, aiming for uniform size to ensure even cooking.
  8. Cook the Bites – Choose Your Method:
    – Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange bites spaced apart and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
    – Pan-Frying: Heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook bites in batches for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  9. Serve Warm: Enjoy the quinoa veggie bites warm with your favorite dipping sauces or as part of a meal.

Notes

  • Make sure to squeeze out all excess moisture from the zucchini to prevent sogginess.
  • Chilling the mixture helps firm up the bites and enhances flavor melding.
  • Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free or almond flour for dietary needs.
  • Optional cheese can be replaced with nutritional yeast to make the recipe vegan.
  • Flax eggs are a vegan alternative to bind the mixture without using eggs.
  • For extra crispiness, pan-frying with olive oil is preferred, while baking is a healthier option.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
  • These bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: quinoa bites, veggie bites, healthy snacks, vegetarian, baked quinoa bites, pan-fried quinoa bites, gluten-free option, vegan alternative

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/quinoa-veggie-bites-recipe/