Mexican flavors are not just for fast food or snacks; the right seasoning can give even a swanky dinner or cocktail party a splash of spicy spunk!
Marcel Crocit, celebrity chef, and his wife, Jeannie, have concocted a delicious Mexican appetizer that's also packed with protein. Watch the couple prepare their "cute little love bites" in the video below, and get ready to get your spunk on.
Vegetarian Mexican quinoa bitesPreparation Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Yield: 36 bites
Ingredients3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 cup black beans, cooked
1/2 cup avocado, mashed
1/2 cup corn, cooked
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons chili pepper, ground
Kosher or sea salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup quinoa, cooked according to package directions and slightly cooled
1 egg
1/3 cup bread crumbs, regular or gluten free
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Nonstick cooking spray
Garnish options: sour cream, salsa, guacamole, fresh cilantro, paprika
Directions1) Sauté onion and bell pepper in olive oil until they begin to brown. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2) In large bowl, combine sauteéd vegetables with beans, avocado, and corn.
3) Add spices (cumin, paprika, chili pepper, salt, black pepper) and cheese; stir.
4) Add quinoa, breadcrumbs, and egg; stir until well combined. Add cilantro and mix slightly.
5) Use nonstick cooking spray to treat mini-muffin pan. Fill cups with mixture -- do not overfill.
6) Bake 15-20 minutes; remove from oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
Garnish with a small dollop of sour cream, salsa or guacamole. Lightly sprinkle paprika over garnish and place cilantro leaves on plate for color. Serve with Corona beer or a margarita for a Mexican-flavored cocktail party!
