On a whim, I purchased a box of quinoa flakes, not knowing what I would do with them or what to expect taste-wise. I'm happy to say that this was a great leap of faith and worth the risk. My first discovery is that it makes a great substitute for oats in granola.
Quinoa flakes are very light and crispy when baked in the granola, and they're gluten-free! And just in case you didn't know, they're a seed, and a great source of protein. The package has a recipe for hot cereal, however I'm thinking "oatmeal" cookies might be great with quinoa flakes.
I have a feeling you'll love this mix, especially if you love crunchy granola. I've been snacking on this granola for several days, and it is definitely sweet and crunchy, and goes great with yogurt and milk (I've had it with almond milk). If you want to lower the sweetness level, you could take the amount of maple syrup down to ⅓ or a ¼ of a cup, and still have crunchy granola.
I didn't add vanilla to this recipe, and it didn't seem to need it, in my humble opinion. I do use a good quality maple syrup (Grade B) that has lots of flavor, so that might have something to do with it. If you like that extra taste of vanilla, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla to the cooked liquid mixture before adding the dry ingredients and baking.
Feel free to swap out the nuts and dried fruit with your favorites. If you like your granola a bit finer, place the nuts in a blender or food processor for a quick whirl to chop them up into finer pieces.
Chef Rachel says
I made this once at home and then in a cooking class. People loved it, even a woman who previously did not like quinoa. I thought it was plenty sweet w/maple syrup.
Your Cinnamon Bun Muffins were also a hit in another cooking class last year. I plan to repeat them in more classes.
Chef Rachel, The Healthy Cooking Coach
Erica says
cool that you're using the recipes for a cooking class! Thanks Rachel!
Nancy Marshall says
Love this granola. I baked it a little too long but it is still yummy. Next time I am going to add organic rolled oats. Planning on taking on the plane for a nutritious snack. Love your website.
Erica says
Thanks!
Lauren B. says
Erica, I've been trying to figure out how to make granola with some quinoa flakes I bought. Thanks a ton for the recipe! If it works well I'll share it over at Healthy Indulgences with credit to your blog, of course. 🙂
I love browsing your website and even if I haven't gotten to bake much lately. The mouthwateringly good yet simple, clean photography and practical advice you offer with your recipes make your blog a refreshing read.
Erica says
Thanks! Let me know when you post it. I imagine it will be sugar-free 🙂
Christina says
This is fantastic! I love how the quinoa flakes become crunchy rather than chewy like oats and the salt and maple syrup are perfect...not too sweet amd not too salty. I switched up some of the nuts and added a few things. So versatile! Quinoa flakes are now a pantry staple instead of oats!
Barbara says
Before going gluten free I used to make granola this way with oats and am very happy to conclude that it works just ass well with quinoa flakes. Maybe even better.. What works really well, is to add a little bit of (dried) rosemary to the mixture. Really spices things up (wink wink).
Love your blog!
Melaina says
I just made this granola with a few variations and IT IS DELICIOUS!! I've been having to cut out a bunch of foods again and needed something to replace my homemade oat granola... this is perfect! I forgot how much I love hazelnuts!!! Look on my blog soon for my version!! THANK OYU FOR A GREAT RECIPE!
Erin Mataj says
That looks so good for snacking or breakfast with almond milk. My mom bought be a box of flaked quinoa and I had no idea what to make with it besides hot cereal for the babies. Thanks for the idea!
liz messer says
where do you find quinoa flakes at??
Erica says
My local PCC - a market in the Seattle area. Maybe health food stores nearby will have it. And of course there's Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=quinoa+flakes&x=0&y=0
Lynda says
I have been looking through all these recipes and have been very intrigued, to say the least! Everything looks delicious, and I can't wait to try some of the recipes! My question is about carbs. I am trying to eat low carb. and am wondering if these recipes, for the most part, fall under that category. I'm also trying to go gluten-free when possible. Thanks for any input you can share.
Lynda
Erica says
I do focus on low-carb and low to no sugar eating, but you'll need to access the ingredients for your own requirements.
Edwina says
What a blessing to have found your blog. We are gluten, egg and dairy free and also a few other things. I bought a bag of quinoa flakes just last week and am still wondering what to do with them. This is perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Sleepinghorse says
I made this granola today and it is so delicious and crunchy. Thanks for the recipe.
Ariana Anderson@ The Frugally Rich Life says
Can I use oats instead? Quinoa flakes are so expensive!
Erica says
Yes! And you can find gluten-free oats too, if you need to. Bob's Red Mill sells them, as well as other brands and stores.
Comfy Belly on Facebook says
Ah, yes - it is a bit on the sweet side. Cutting the sweetener in half will fix that.
Emily Fronczyk Williams on Facebook says
I usually make a GF granola using quiona flakes and GF oats for summertime cereal. Just made your quinoa granola and it is more of a dessert. It is great! Thanks for helping me break out of my granola rut!!
Sleepinghorse says
I forgot to mention that I did the same with quinoa flakes. I bought them not knowing what to do with them and now I know 🙂
Erica says
Thanks.
Sleepinghorse says
Ah. At last a granola recipe that I can try due to a) having all the ingredients available and b) looks delicious. Thanks for this. I might make some tomorrow. I'll let you know how I get on.
Comfy Belly on Facebook says
No-bake cookies! I'm intrigued. Can you share your recipe?
Sherry says
I am totally going to make this. I have been wanting granola for such a long time. I made no-bake cookies with quinoa flakes, and they worked well for that. I didn't really like the quinoa flakes just cooked like oatmeal, but it does seem to work well in recipes.