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–+ servings
Quinoa balls on a plate.

Quinoa Balls

Tressa Jamil
Make savory baked quinoa balls to replace traditional meatballs in a recipe, or serve them as a tasty appetizer or snack at your next get-together.
5 from 4 votes
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Appetizer, Lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 142 kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
  
  • 2¾ cups water, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 cup carrots, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 can cannelini beans, drained
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon turmeric
  • cooking spray
Instructions
 
  • Combine 2 cups of water, quinoa, and salt in a saute pan and bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Then, cover and cook for 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Transfer it to a mixing bowl.
  • Add the carrots and ¾ cup of water to the same pan and boil over medium heat. Reduce and cover the pan; cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the carrots are tender and the water is absorbed.
  • Add the garlic and Cannellini beans to the pan. Saute for another minute or until the water evaporates. Drain and add it to the mixing bowl with the quinoa. Set it aside and let it cool.
  • Meanwhile, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the carrots and beans.
  • Add the black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and parsley; stir to combine. Set it aside to cool.
  • Preheat the oven to 400℉ (204℃). With lightly oiled hands, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and line them onto the rimmed baking sheet.
  • Spray the balls with avocado oil and bake for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Notes
Expert Tips: 
  • Drain the canned beans before adding them to the saute pan.
  • Use a potato masher or fork to mash and combine the beans and vegetables into the quinoa.
  • Let the quinoa, bean, and vegetable mixture cool before rolling them into balls to prevent them from falling apart.
  • Roll the quinoa balls with oiled hands to keep them from sticking to you.
Nutrition Disclosure:
  • The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Nutrition
Serving: 4 Balls | Calories: 142 kcal | Carbohydrates: 25 g | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 372 mg | Potassium: 451 mg | Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 1 g | Vitamin A: 180 IU | Vitamin C: 2 mg | Calcium: 6 mg | Iron: 14 mg
Did you make this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and follow @thejamilghar or tag #thejamilghar on Instagram!