April 4, 2012

Strawberry Quinoa Flake Bake


Quinoa (pronounced "keen-wah") has become quite the Superfood Idol.  It is high in protein and full of minerals and vitamins.  It is native to the Andes, and it is technically the fruit of an herb plant.  Though it is now the "hipster grain of choice," it has actually been cultivated for 5,000 years and has survived in remote areas, poor soil, and high altitudes.  Quinoa is almost like a rice, and quinoa flakes (similar to oatmeal) and flour are now available.

One of my sisters, secretly trying to tell me a hint, recently sent me a funny article about how Pinterest food pins are destroying the world (Pinterest = adult dream book), and quinoa food pins were cited as an example.  Of course, I recently discovered quinoa flakes and turned to Pinterest to come up with some ideas.

I came across a picture of a "quinoa flake bake" and decided to give it a shot.  It was simple to make, and it was delicious.  The quinoa flake bake has almost the texture of a cake or muffin that contains oatmeal.  The fruit added plenty of sweetness, too.

If you are tired of the same old breakfast or just want to branch out a little, give this a try.  This easy high-protein and high-fiber bake can be whipped up within less than five minutes.

Similar to the baked oatmeal recipe, the flavor combinations are endless.  Enjoy!

Strawberry Quinoa Flake Bake 

Ingredients:
1/2 cup quinoa flakes
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut (sweetened would be okay)
2 tbsp. apple sauce
1 tbsp. flax seed
1/2 cup strawberry pulp (about 8 strawberries pulverized in your blender or food processor)

Directions:
Prepare a 16 oz. microwavable dish by spraying it with cooking spray or a dab of coconut oil.  Combine all ingredients in dish until fully incorporated.  Press mixture into prepared dish and even out with fork or spoon.

Place in the microwave for 3 minutes.  You will know it is ready when it rises slightly and pulls away from the side of the dish.  If it needs more time after 3 minutes, continue cooking in 30 second increments to avoid overcooking.

After cooking, remove and allow to cool for 1 minute.  You can flip the dish over onto a plate and add additional toppings (fresh berries or bananas, maple syrup, etc.), or you can eat it straight from the dish.

Source: Adapted from Healthful Pursuit

1 comment:

  1. So great to meet you. I've never cooked with quinoa flakes but I love the stuff. I'll get some this weekend and give this recipe a try. looks delish!

    ReplyDelete

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