Thai Quinoa Balls (or Bites) with Optional Peanut-Free Dipping Sauce

Thai Quinoa Balls or Bites with Optional Peanut-Free Dipping Sauce

These tasty patties or balls are a perfect take-along snack on their own. For added zest or to serve as an appetizer, pair them with the peanut-free dipping sauce.

For the Bites:
1-1/2 cups (360 ml) cooked quinoa (white or red work best)
1 cup (240 ml) cooked navy, white or kidney beans
2 Tbsp (30 ml) chopped cilantro or parsley leaves
3 Tbsp (45 ml) natural smooth almond butter (can sub with peanut butter if allowed)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tbsp (15 ml) gluten free soy sauce or tamari
3 Tbsp (45 ml) ground flax seeds (from about 1-1/2 Tbsp/22.5 ml whole seeds)
1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
1/4 tsp (1 ml) ground ginger
1/4 tsp (1 ml) chili flakes

For the Dipping Sauce:

3/4 cup 180 ml) natural smooth almond butter (can sub with peanut butter if allowed)
1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
1-1/2 Tbsp (22.5) fresh lime juice (about one small lime)
2 Tbsp (30 ml) gluten free soy sauce or tamari
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Tbsp (30 ml) chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 tsp (5 ml) toasted sesame oil
5 drops plain pure stevia liquid
2-4 Tbsp (30-60 ml) water, as needed

Make the bites: Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment.

In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the quinoa and beans to break up the beans (the mixture should still be chunky). Add remaining ingredients and process for a few seconds just to incorporate everything smoothly.

Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, measure out the dough and roll into balls about 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter and place on the cookie sheet. For bites, flatten each ball to about 1/2 inch (13 mm) thickness. For balls, leave as they are.

Bake 30-35 minutes, until the bites are dry outside and beginning to brown. Cool. Best served at room temperature, but can be reheated as well. (Note that the bites will seem fragile when just taken out of the oven; they will firm up when cool). Makes 18-20 bites or balls. May be frozen.

If desired, while the bites bake, make the sauce: Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth (a hand blender works well, too). Use as a dipping sauce or drizzle over the bites. Makes about 1-1/2 cups (360 ml). Store, covered, in the refrigerator up to 4 days.

Suitable for: ACD all stages; refined sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, egg free, soy-free, yeast-free, vegan, low glycemic.