Do you rinse quinoa before you toast it?

First, know that if you are using a brand other than Ancient HarvestLink opens in a new tab/window, you may need to thoroughly rinse your quinoa to rid it of its natural coating of saponins , which is known to leave a soapy, bitter taste.

How do you make quinoa not boring?

I find that some of the best seasonings for quinoa are cumin, dried bay leaf, turmeric, and salt, and black pepper . I also love to flavor it with fresh garlic and herbs such as parsley, dill, and cilantro. You can add the seasonings of your choice into the pot at the same time with the liquid and cook it as directed.

Do they eat quinoa in Mexico?

By Karen Hursh Graber, writing from Mexico In the same family as epazote and amaranth, two favorites in Mexican regional cooking, quinoa has small, edible seeds that cook like grains . Called the “mother of all grains” by the pre-Hispanic people who subsisted on it, quinoa is considered a pseudo grain.

Does quinoa double in size like rice?

Quinoa increases three times in size when cooked , so if you want to end up with 3 cups of cooked quinoa, measure out 1 cup of dry quinoa. If you want 2 cups of cooked quinoa, measure out 2/3 cup of dry quinoa, etc.

What happens if you don't rinse quinoa first?

Some people are particularly sensitive to saponins, which is why unrinsed cooked quinoa has a reputation for tasting bitter . However, most quinoa that is sold in packages has been "pre-rinsed," which means the saponins have been removed and rinsing isn't necessary.

Why should you soak quinoa before cooking?

*Soaking grains helps to remove some of the naturally occurring phytic acid in the grain, which helps improve digestibility and speed cook time . To soak: Rinse quinoa thoroughly then add to a large mixing bowl or pot and cover with twice the amount of lukewarm water (2 cups water, 1 cup quinoa).

Is quinoa the healthiest food in the world?

Quinoa Is Loaded With Nutrients It's packed with vitamins and minerals and contains more protein, fiber and healthy fats than other grains. Just one cup (185 grams) of cooked quinoa is a great source of the following nutrients (4): Manganese: 58% of the RDI. Magnesium: 30% of the RDI.

Which country eats the most quinoa?

Consumption By Country The countries with the highest volumes of quinoa consumption in 2018 were Bolivia (40K tonnes), Peru (34K tonnes) and the U.S. (29K tonnes) , with a combined 71% share of global consumption.

Everyone in the rabbinic and kosher world agrees that if you can eat kitniyot and a certifying agency like the Orthodox Union has determined that the quinoa in question did not come into contact with any Passover-forbidden items, quinoa is perfectly acceptable on Passover .

What is the trick to cooking quinoa?

Here's the trick for perfectly fluffy quinoa: Use twice as much water as quinoa, as usual, then cook uncovered until the quinoa has absorbed all the water . The cooking time will vary based on quantity.

Do you cook quinoa covered or uncovered?

Transfer quinoa to a medium pot with water (or broth) and salt. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer, uncovered , until quinoa is tender and a white "tail" appears around each grain, about 15 minutes.

Does quinoa flour need to be toasted?

You definitely don't need to toast quinoa flour , but if you find it to have an off-putting flavor then it's something to consider. With the recipes on the site, you can always opt to use untreated quinoa flour, as the texture remains the same, but the taste of the finished dish will vary slightly.

Does quinoa need to be drained after cooking?

Quinoa holds lots of water, so you have to make sure you drain it thoroughly after it's cooked . Otherwise, it will make your whole dish watery. And don't forget to use that fine-mesh strainer again!

Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (2024)

October 11, 2012 by Lindsay 50 Comments

Hi Friends!

As promised, things are back on schedule today! I was going to write my FNCE recap but I ended up spending most of the day yesterday playing catchup- on sleep, on emails, on hubby time. This upcoming weekend will be the first weekend in a month that hubby and I have both been at home together. I can’t wait! Anyways, I whipped up the tasty little bites pictured above for dinner last night and just HAD to share them today!

One of the things I miss most when I’m traveling is cooking my own food. I’m a sucker for being in control so I can only tolerate eating out so many times before I get a little stressed out. So, even though I hadn’t been grocery shopping, I headed straight to the kitchen last night to see what I could come up with. The end result was delicious and that’s good news for me because it means that all of the ingredients are things that I almost always have on hand, no matter whether I’ve just gone grocery shopping or haven’t gone for a few weeks.

Mexican Quinoa Bites

Print Recipe

★5 Stars☆★4 Stars☆★3 Stars☆★2 Stars☆★1 Star☆No reviews

Throw your taste buds a miniature fiesta with these easy Mexican bites.

Author: Author: Lindsay
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 c quinoa, uncooked
1 c black beans, cooked
1/4 c avocado, smashed
1 egg
1 red pepper, diced
1/2 c corn kernals, cooked
1/2 c onion, diced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/3 c ground pepitas (or breadcrumbs)
1/2 c low-fat mexican shredded cheese

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Rinse quinoa and cook according to package directions.
Combine beans, avocado, peppers, corn and onion in a small bowl and mix well.
Add spices and stir to combine.
Add cooked quinoa (cooled slightly), egg and ground pepitas and mix well.
Spray mini muffin tins with cooking spray and spoon in quinoa mixture.
Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool 5-10 min in pan.
Gently remove from pan and serve with bbq sauce or salsa.

Aren’t they cute? I’m love bite-sized foods. These would make a great party appetizer, tailgate snack or dinner entree!

I dipped mine in bbq sauce,
hubby topped his with sriracha.

Next time I might try mixing the bbq sauce in before baking!

Let’s chat!

Bite-size or full-size?
What’s your favorite appetizer?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

Sandra Laflamme says
October 11, 2012 at 12:08 AM
Those look delicious. I just love quinoa but my husband is not ao sure. Perhaps these would make a great app for my next book group. thanks for sharing this recipe!
Reply
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
October 11, 2012 at 12:42 AM
such a cool idea to smack the avocado in this! I love bite-sized goodies… maybe a little too much at times. LOL!
Reply
Court Star @ StarSystemz says
October 11, 2012 at 3:35 AM
I am obsessed with muffin tin recipes because #1 they are so easy and #2 they are the perfect size and #3 they are perfectly shaped which makes my life a heck of a lot easier to make appetizers that look appealing for guests! I will have to try this baby out! I just made turkey muffins check out my blog for the recipe I think you will really enjoy them. Love and Shine CourtStar
Reply
Miz says
October 11, 2012 at 5:28 AM
I LOVE my minimuffin tins too.
for savory all the way…
Reply
Julie @ ROJ Running says
October 11, 2012 at 6:43 AM
These look really amazing. Makes me sad I can’t have quinoa! But what a great idea for taking to a party.
Reply
HollieisFueledByLOLZ says
See Also
Avocado Pasta Recipe · i am a food blog 20 Irresistible Beef Brisket Recipes Cheesy Broccoli Bites (Keto Recipe!) - Maebells Warm Walnut Goat Cheese Bites Recipe - Easy Make Ahead Appetizer
October 11, 2012 at 6:55 AM
Those look absolutely Delicious. Holy moly will I have to be trying those!
Reply
lindsay says
October 11, 2012 at 7:09 AM
welcome home friend. glad you are getting some quality time with the hubs and doggies soon. These are just brilliant. I shall make and put an egg on top!
Reply
Danielle @ Clean Food Creative Fitness says
October 11, 2012 at 7:17 AM
Love this recipe! These are so cute and would make such a cute appetizer! I’ve been loving quinoa lately and am always looking for new ways to prepare it!
Reply
- Lindsay says
  October 13, 2012 at 9:58 AM
  awesome! hope you like them!
  Reply
Andrea says
October 11, 2012 at 7:19 AM
These are precious!! Adding them to my ‘to make’ list!
Reply
Linz @ Itz Linz says
October 11, 2012 at 7:46 AM
I love all your “bite” recipes!! They are perfect for appetizers! I’m more of a full size kind of person for dinner… but these bites are perfect to bring to someones house!
Reply
Mo says
October 11, 2012 at 8:08 AM
YUM!!! I am the same way – I can only stand eating out so much before I NEED to return home & cook. Nothing beats a home cooked meal!
Reply
Lindsay @ Lindsay's List says
October 11, 2012 at 8:25 AM
how cute!! pinning now!
Reply
Laura says
October 11, 2012 at 8:27 AM
Just pinned! They are the cutest… and we’re hosting friends next weekend, I think I’m going to make these as an appetizer!
Reply
- Lindsay says
  October 13, 2012 at 9:58 AM
  yay!!! let me know how it goes!!
  Reply
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
October 11, 2012 at 8:29 AM
These look so freaking good!!
Reply
- Lindsay says
  October 13, 2012 at 9:58 AM
  thank you!!!!!! aren’t they cute 🙂
  Reply
Alexis @ Hummusapien says
October 11, 2012 at 8:35 AM
I NEED a mini muffin tin! Everything is better pre-portioned…even if it means I eat like ten 🙂 These look awesome, Lindsay!
Reply
- Lindsay says
  October 13, 2012 at 9:58 AM
  oh girl, yes you do! go buy one ASAP!
  Reply
Allie says
October 11, 2012 at 10:07 AM
I definitely love bite-sized for appetizers or any time there are a lot of different food options–then I can taste it all! But regular meals? I love to go gigantic, haha. Ridiculously large omelets, giant bowls of salad, oh yes!
Reply
- Lindsay says
  October 13, 2012 at 9:57 AM
  See Also
  Insanely Good Gluten Free Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
  haha i seem to like either mini or giant! in between is just boring!
  Reply
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf says
October 11, 2012 at 10:14 AM
Oh man, I’m so excited to see another quinoa recipe. I <3 quinoa. Now I have an excuse to buy a mini muffin tin!
Reply
- Lindsay says
  October 13, 2012 at 9:57 AM
  everyone needs mini muffins!
  Reply
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile says
October 11, 2012 at 10:18 AM
These look amazing!!!! Yum!
Reply
Melissa @ Live, Love, & Run says
October 11, 2012 at 10:34 AM
Ohhhhh, I’m makin’ these babies in the next day or two!!! I’ll take pics.;)
Reply
- Lindsay says
  October 13, 2012 at 9:56 AM
  yay!!! can’t wait!!
  Reply
Lauren says
October 11, 2012 at 11:56 AM
Yum! I may try these out tonight! My husband won’t often eat vegetarian, so when he’s gone at work, that’s my pleasure. I’m really liking the look of your blog! It’s much cleaner and easier on my eyes! 🙂
Reply
- Lindsay says
  October 13, 2012 at 9:57 AM
  hope you like them!
  Reply
Iris says
October 11, 2012 at 12:01 PM
These are adorable! And they look delicious too – I would definitely add Sriracha like your husband did (I’m a Sriracha fiend). 😉
Reply
Amanda @RunToTheFinish says
October 11, 2012 at 12:13 PM
Yes! I am pinning this now so I can remember it. I saw your instagram and have been dying to see the recipe!
Reply
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says
October 11, 2012 at 1:07 PM
Gosh these sound insanely delicious, Lindsay!
Reply
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
October 11, 2012 at 3:45 PM
These look awesome!! Can’t wait to hear your recap!!
Reply
sarah k @ the pajama chef says
October 11, 2012 at 4:18 PM
i made something like this over the summer. i’m sure they are great!
Reply
Kierston says
October 11, 2012 at 6:23 PM
Love mini bites! These look delish! Pinning 🙂
Reply
- Lindsay says
  October 13, 2012 at 9:56 AM
  thanks so much!!
  Reply
Katie Z says
October 11, 2012 at 9:27 PM
Oh my gosh. You are officially a genius. This is so perfect!!
Reply
- Lindsay says
  October 13, 2012 at 9:56 AM
  enjoy!!
  Reply
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
October 11, 2012 at 10:53 PM
YUM! Look good to me!
Reply
Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life says
October 11, 2012 at 11:44 PM
This look amazing. I love everything quinoa, so these look like such happy little quinoa muffins!
Reply
Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings says
October 12, 2012 at 9:42 AM
Yum! These look delicious 🙂
Reply
- Lindsay says
  October 13, 2012 at 9:51 AM
  thank you!
  Reply
Dani - That Fitness Chic says
October 13, 2012 at 10:45 PM
Those look SO GOOD! I love all your recipes…. Just another fun thing to try with quinoa thats not SALAD! Thanks for sharing!
Dani
http://www.thatfitnesschic.blogspot.com
Reply
Kam says
October 15, 2012 at 12:32 AM
Dan and I (from Perth) made these for lunch yesterday, they were a hit! Thanks for the great idea. Sending foodie love from down under!
Reply
- Lindsay says
  October 15, 2012 at 6:31 AM
  ahhhh! yay! so glad to hear it 🙂
  Reply
Kristi Rimkus says
October 16, 2012 at 10:27 PM
It’s recipe is on my appetizer list for sure. What a great way to get the family to eat quinoa.
Reply
Roughly A Runner says
October 17, 2012 at 5:36 PM
This is genius. Abso-effing-lutely genius.
That is all.
Reply
- Lindsay says
  October 22, 2012 at 8:56 AM
  haha well thank you 🙂
  Reply
Pam says
February 27, 2014 at 8:51 AM
These look amazing! Can these be baked a day in advance? I have a Mexican themed Potluck lunch at work and wont be able to make them “fresh” that same day. What do you think?
Reply
- Lindsay says
  February 27, 2014 at 8:56 AM
  I think they’d be ok. I’ve reheated leftovers before and they were fine.
  Reply
  - Pam says
    February 27, 2014 at 9:52 AM
    Awesome! Thanks for your quick response. I’ll let you know how they turn out. 🙂
    Reply

Mexican Quinoa Bites Recipe | Easy Quinoa Recipe (2024)

Mexican Quinoa Bites

Ingredients

Instructions

About Lindsay

Reader Interactions

Comments

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