These veggie and quinoa bites are a great way to start the day! Easily adaptable using ingredients and seasonings on hand - feel free to omit the quinoa altogether and double the veggies. Either way, it's a nutrient packed few bites and a household favorite.
Preheat the oven to 325°. Use silicone muffin pan or prepare two 12-cup muffin pans by spraying with nonstick cooking spray. Heat oil in a medium saute pan over medium low. Add the leeks, zucchini, bell pepper, a pinch of salt and pepper and cook until tender. Add the spinach and garlic and cook until the spinach is wilted. Remove from heat, add cooked quinoa and mix. Set aside and let cool while you prepare the egg mixture.
Fill the muffin pans with the vegetable and quinoa mixture, evenly distributing among all 24 cups. Pour the egg mixture in each muffin cup - this will fill about half way up. Top with a pinch of grated cheese. Bake for about 20-25 minutes and cook until the egg is set and pulls away from the sides.
*To make quinoa: Thoroughly rinse ½ cup of quinoa in a mesh strainer. In a small saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-low and add rinsed quinoa. Stir the quinoa while it dries out and toasts for a minute or two, then add about a cup of water or desired broth and a pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil, then cover the pot and turn down heat to a bare simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork or turning it out to a sheet pan to cool.