Crispy Quinoa
User Reviews
5
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
15 tablespoons
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Calories
379 kcal
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Course
Snacks
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Crispy Quinoa
Description
This recipe starts with cooked and cooled quinoa spread on a baking sheet or mixed in a skillet with olive oil, salt, and spices. Baking at 375°F while stirring occasionally or gently toasting on the stove over medium-low heat until golden develops a crisp texture as moisture evaporates and the grains brown. The quinoa transitions from soft and fluffy to crunchy and nutty-tasting.
The spice blend is flexible and can include cinnamon, Aleppo pepper, or alternatives that complement quinoa's mild flavor. The toasting process requires patience and frequent stirring to ensure even browning and prevent burning. Once toasted and cooled, the quinoa becomes crunchy and can be used as a topping for salads, soups, or eaten alone as a snack.
The notes detail how to cook the quinoa initially, emphasizing simmering with lid on and a final steaming period for perfect fluffiness before cooling. The quinoa will crisp further as it cools after toasting. Proper storage in an airtight container at room temperature preserves the texture for up to a week.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, cooled quinoa (leftover, or from 1 cup uncooked quinoa. See note.)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo pepper cinnamon, or your favorite spice combination (optional
Instructions
Option 1: Crisp the Quinoa in the Oven
- Get ready: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread cooled quinoa on a rimmed sheet pan and toss well with oil, salt, and spice of your choice.
- Bake the quinoa: Bake in the hot oven, turning with a spatula every 10 minutes or so, until golden brown and crispy, 25-30 minutes.
Option 2: Crisp the Quinoa on the Stove
- Get ready: Combine cooked quinoa, oil, salt, and the spice of your choice in a large nonstick skillet. Stir until quinoa is well-coated.
- Gently toast the quinoa: Place pan over medium-low heat and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon. For the first 10 minutes, the quinoa will stick to the bottom of the pan a bit, but as it dries out and becomes toasted, it will release more easily. Keep stirring frequently until quinoa is golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely before using.
Notes
- Cook quinoa by simmering 1 cup quinoa with 1 1/2 cups water covered, then steam off heat with a towel for 10 minutes for a fluffy texture.
- Allow cooked quinoa to cool fully before toasting to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Rinsing quinoa is usually unnecessary as most commercial quinoa is pre-rinsed; check packaging.
- Storage in an airtight container at room temperature keeps crispy quinoa fresh for up to a week.
- Use consistent stirring during toasting to ensure even browning and to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 15tablespoons
Amount Per Serving
Calories 379 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 37.9kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 5.3g | 2% |
| Protein | 1.1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1.4g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.8g | 4% |
| Sodium | 79.8mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 43.1mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.7g | 3% |
| Sugar | 0.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 11.1IU | 0% |
| Calcium | 4.4mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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