Homemade Nom Noms: Quinoa muffin bites

Richmond, VA

Cheesey Veggie Quinoa bites

Today’s mini adventure begins on the wonderful website of Pinterest.  I was scrolling through the pages of pins when I came across a recipe using quinoa – the wonder grain I kept hearing about.  It looked healthy, sounded nummy, and was on Pinterest, so I just had to give it a try.  The recipe I based my adventure on came from this website.  I eyeballed a few of the measurements for the veggies and couldn’t help but add in a few of my own favorites.  (This recipe makes 24 "bites" made in a normal sized muffin pan)

First, I mixed the following ingredients in a large mixing bowl:

• 2 1/2 cups cooked quinoa I cooked in low sodium chicken broth
• 2 eggs
• 3 shredded carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 ½ cups corn (canned)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (I used the fat free grated cheese you can find in the pasta aisle at the grocery store)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp garlic powder (mmm I love my garlic)
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
• 1 tsp Ms. Dash's seasoning  
• a few dashes of cayenne pepper for a little kick

Next, I spooned out a little bit of the mixture into a greased muffin tin and baked at 350F degrees.  These babies don't really rise so don't worry about any over flow!

22 minutes later… mm mmm nummy!

I made a little ranch Greek yogurt to dip the bites into.  Just a few dollops of plain Greek yogurt with ranch dressing mix (I used the Hidden Valley packet).  WoW!  I never thought something so simple could taste so good!  Just add as much of the mix to taste.

This is one recipe that I will repeatedly make.  It is super easy, healthy, and customizable to whatever veggies and spices you like and freezes well.  The crust on the bites gives a nice contrast to the different textures of the ingredients: the stringy carrots, tender corn, fluffy egg, and crumbly quinoa.  They are super flavorful, even on their own, and very filling.  I don't think there are enough good things I can say about these little things. :)

I’ve made this recipe a few more times and changed it up a little bit too.  Peas, shredded chicken, and onions are a few more substitutions that I really enjoyed. 

Until next time… (^._.^)~

And just for fun: