Tender Little Stars with Quinoa, Cheese and Pumpkin
Small star-shaped baked bites made with fluffy quinoa, roasted pumpkin, and melted cheese. They have a soft center and a lightly golden outside, making them ideal for little hands and a fun family meal.
Ingredients
- 80 g uncooked quinoa (enjuagada)
- 160 ml water (for cocer the quinoa)
- 180 g pumpkin (pelada and diced small)
- 70 g shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 unit egg (lightly beaten)
- 40 g breadcrumbs (more extra si hace falta for ajustar textura)
- 10 ml olive oil (divided)
- 2 g onion powder
- 1 g garlic powder
- 2 g salt
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and grease it with 1 teaspoon olive oil.
- 2
2. Place the pumpkin cubes on the tray, toss them with 1 teaspoon olive oil, and roast for 15 minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F until very tender.
- 3
3. Meanwhile, place the quinoa in a small saucepan with the water and salt. Cook over medium heat until it comes to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and cook for 12 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Let it rest for 5 minutes and fluff with a fork.
- 4
4. Transfer the roasted pumpkin to a bowl and mash it with a fork into a rustic puree.
- 5
5. Add the cooked quinoa, beaten egg, 50 g shredded mozzarella, breadcrumbs, onion powder, and garlic powder to the bowl. Mix well until a soft mixture forms that can be pressed together. If it feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.
- 6
6. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes so it is easier to handle. Take small portions and press them into star molds, or shape little stars by hand, packing them firmly.
- 7
7. Place the little stars on the prepared tray and sprinkle the remaining 20 g shredded mozzarella on top.
- 8
8. Bake at 200 °C / 400 °F for 10 minutes, or until the stars are set and lightly golden on the bottom.
- 9
9. Let them rest for 3 minutes before serving so they hold their shape and the cheese finishes setting.
Chef tips
For a more defined shape, chill the mixture for 10 minutes before shaping. If you do not have a star mold, you can make small patties instead.
Substitutions
You can replace the mozzarella with Oaxaca cheese or another mild melting cheese. The pumpkin can be swapped for roasted sweet potato, though the flavor will be slightly sweeter.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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