Quinoa Bites

Quinoa bites are a healthy and flavorful snack that can be customized in many ways. I will now introduce you to a basic version, and if you like, I could also suggest an Italian touch to make them even more delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of raw quinoa
• 2 cups of water
• 2 large eggs (or egg substitutes if you are vegan)
• 1/4 cup of grated cheese (optional for a vegan version)
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Aromatic herbs of your choice (for example, parsley or cilantro)
• Olive oil for cooking

Preparation

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold running water.
2. Bring the 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot and add the rinsed quinoa. Reduce the heat, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed. Let the quinoa cool after cooking.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa with the eggs, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Salt and pepper to your taste.
4. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Form small bites with the quinoa mixture and place them on the baking sheet.
6. Bake in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the bites become golden and crispy on the outside, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure an even browning.
7. Once baked, let them cool slightly and serve warm.

Italian Variant: To add an Italian touch to your bites, you can incorporate ingredients like chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and perhaps replace the grated cheese with parmesan or another matured Italian cheese into the quinoa mix.

Interesting Facts

Quinoa is not a grain, but a seed that is used like a grain. Native to the Andes, it is highly valued for its nutritional properties and its versatility in the kitchen. It is gluten-free and rich in protein, making quinoa bites an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans, and people with gluten intolerance.