Quinoa Pizza Bites

Mom sent me a box of quinoa at Christmas, a 'subtle' hint saying try this try this.  The last few years I have been hearing more and more about quinoa,  it is very healthy, high in protein and a healthy alternative to carbs such as rice.  I have never really found a recipe that caught my eye enough to try until I stumbled upon this one and knew right away this was the one I had been waiting for.

I already had all the ingredients on hand so I got to work. 

2 cups cooked quinoa
3 large eggs
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
3/4 cup chopped pepperoni slices (~1/2 of a 7 oz bag)
1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup spinach, chopped
1/2 tsp seasoning salt
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried crushed oregano
pizza sauce for dipping

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix together all ingredients, except pizza sauce, pepperoni, tomatoes and spinach in a medium mixing bowl.  Split mixture into two bowls, add the pepperoni to one bowl and the tomatoes and spinach to the other.  Distribute mixture into a greased mini muffin tin, filling each cup to the top (1 heaping Tbs each), and press down gently to compact.  Bake for 15-20 minutes.

 

I was not too sure how B would feel about the texture of the quinoa but he said they were great!  They are loaded with flavour and are a much healthier option to cure that pizza craving.  I like mine heated up with some pizza sauce for dipping, B likes his right out of the fridge! 

Enjoy :)