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Quinoa Veggie Bites Recipe

Quinoa Veggie Bites Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

These Quinoa Veggie Bites are a nutritious and flavorful appetizer or snack, packed with vegetables and protein-rich quinoa. They are crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfect for a healthy bite-sized treat. Suitable for vegetarians and easily adaptable to vegan or gluten-free diets, these bites combine wholesome ingredients and vibrant herbs for a satisfying dish that can be baked or pan-fried to your preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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), excess moisture squeezed out
  • ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion (about ½ small onion)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, or use nutritional yeast for vegan)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed, or almond flour for grain-free option)
  • 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)
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying, optional if baking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Quinoa: Cook ½ cup uncooked quinoa by rinsing it thoroughly, then combine with 1 cup water or broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and allow it to cool completely to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
  2. Prep the Vegetables: Finely grate the carrots and zucchini. Wrap the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent soggy bites. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
  3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled quinoa, grated carrots, squeezed zucchini, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
  4. Add Binders and Seasonings: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese or nutritional yeast, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley or cilantro, beaten eggs or flax eggs, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper into the mixture.
  5. Mix Thoroughly: Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, mix all ingredients until well combined and the mixture holds together when pressed. Avoid overmixing to keep the bites tender.
  6. Chill the Mixture (Optional but Recommended): Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to help flavors meld and make shaping easier, resulting in firmer bites.
  7. Shape the Bites: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into small patties or balls about 1-2 tablespoons each. Aim for consistent sizes to ensure even cooking. This recipe yields approximately 20-24 bites.
  8. Cook the Bites – Choose Your Method: For baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arrange bites without touching, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and slightly crispy. For pan-frying, heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat, cook bites in batches for 3-5 minutes per side until crispy and golden, then drain on paper towels.
  9. Serve Warm: Enjoy your Quinoa Veggie Bites warm, paired with your favorite dipping sauce like tzatziki, ranch, or a spicy aioli for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Substitute eggs with flax eggs to make the bites vegan.
  • Squeezing excess moisture from zucchini is essential to avoid soggy bites.
  • Chilling the mixture before cooking helps with shaping and results in firmer bites.
  • Pan-frying yields crisper bites, while baking offers a healthier option.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa bites, veggie bites, healthy snacks, vegetarian appetizer, gluten-free option, vegan option, quinoa recipes

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