Quinoa Pizza Cups

We love pizza around these parts.  The problem is, it's not such a healthy choice and when I eat pizza, well, let's just say it's hard to stop!  Problem solved with these little cuties I have for you today!  These quinoa pizza cups have all the flavor of pizza, are filling and are easily adaptable to whatever kind of pizza your family likes!  I chose to make mine with turkey pepperoni and cheese this time but my husband and I were imagining all kinds of possibilities!  For instance, sausage with roasted red pepper or veggie or Canadian bacon and sauerkraut (yes, you read that right!  Don't knock it until you try it!)  The best thing about this version is each individual cup is only 95 calories!  I ate three of these for dinner with a salad and came in under 500 calories!  That NEVER happens with pizza.  High five!   Serve with your favorite jarred marinara for dipping.  Enjoy!

Quinoa Pizza Cups (adapted from backonpointe.tumblr.com)

1 c. quinoa, cooked according to package directions and cooled
1 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 t. dried basil
1/2 t. dried oregano
1 t. paprika
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
2 large eggs
1 c. shredded cheese of your choice
5 oz. turkey pepperoni, diced
Jarred marinara, heated (for serving)

Preheat the oven to 350.  In a large bowl place the cooked quinoa and set aside.  Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat and add the onion.  Saute the onion for 8-10 minutes or until softened.  Add the garlic, basil, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper and stir to combine.  Remove the onion mixture from the heat and allow to cool slightly.  Add the onion mixture to the bowl with the quinoa along with the eggs, cheese and pepperoni.  Stir to combine.  Spray 18 regular sized muffin cups with cooking spray and divide the quinoa mixture evenly among the cups.  Press down gently on each one to make sure they are compact.  Bake for 20 minutes.  Allow to sit for 5 minutes before removing them from the pan or they will fall apart.  Warm up the marinara sauce while the cups are in the oven!

18 cups (95 calories each) according to my calculator on loseit.com