Crunchy Cumin Quinoa Bites

Golden bites of quinoa and black beans, infused with earthy cumin and fresh cilantro, create a delightful snack that’s both crispy and flavorful.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 20 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Begin by ensuring your quinoa is properly cooked; it should be fluffy and not mushy. If it's leftover quinoa, reheat slightly to dry it out a bit, which helps in binding later.
2. 2.
   In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, chopped cilantro, and ground cumin. Gently mix the ingredients until they are evenly distributed. The cumin will add a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with the beans and cilantro.
3. 3.
   To form the bites, take a heaping tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into a compact, round ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used. If the mixture is too loose, you can add a bit more quinoa to bind it better.
4. 4.
   Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Gently place the quinoa bites in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Adjust the heat if they brown too quickly.
5. 5.
   Once cooked, transfer the bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. These can be served immediately for a crispy texture or allowed to cool slightly, where they will firm up a bit more. They are perfect on their own or with a spicy dipping sauce.