Quinoa Flatbread
Unleash the Power of Quinoa: From Fluffy Side Dish to Flavorful Flatbread
Quinoa, the tiny golden grain that's packed with protein and nutrients, is a superstar in the health food world. But did you know this versatile seed can be transformed into more than just a fluffy side dish? With a few simple steps, you can unlock the power of quinoa to create delicious, light, and nutritious flatbreads!
These flatbreads are perfect for anyone looking for a gluten-free alternative to traditional wraps or pita bread. They're incredibly versatile, perfect for scooping up dips, building wraps with your favorite fillings, or even enjoying on their own.
This recipe makes two flatbreads with a diameter of about 10 inches (25 cm). Feel free to adjust the size and quantity based on your needs.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (100 grams) quinoa (white quinoa works best)
- ¾ cup (150 ml) water
- 1 medium carrot (about 60 grams)
- 1 green onion
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt (or regular table salt)
- Spices of your choice
- Coconut oil for greasing the pan
Instructions:
- Prep the Quinoa: Begin by rinsing the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under running water for a few minutes. This removes any impurities that might affect the taste. For this recipe, white quinoa is preferred as it produces a smoother batter. White quinoa also cooks faster than other varieties.
- Soak and Grind: After rinsing, transfer the quinoa to a bowl and cover it with clean water. Let it soak for 3-4 hours to soften the grains. This soaking step helps improve digestibility and shortens the cooking time later on.
- Blend it Up: Once the soaking time is complete, drain the water from the quinoa. Now it's time to create the flatbread batter! In a blender, combine the drained quinoa, water, salt, and any spices you'd like to add. A pinch of cumin, coriander, or even a dash of smoked paprika can add a wonderful depth of flavor. Blend for 1-2 minutes until you get a smooth and slightly thick batter. Aim for a consistency similar to pancake batter.
- Veggie Power: Here's where you can get creative! Grate the carrot using the fine holes on a box grater. This will incorporate the carrot flavor and texture seamlessly into the flatbread. Finely chop the green onion and parsley. You can choose to use just the green parts of the spring onion for a milder flavor, or include some of the white bulb for a sharper taste. Add the grated carrot and chopped herbs to the blended batter and give it a quick stir to combine everything evenly.
- Heat Up the Pan: Place a non-stick pan or a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of coconut oil or your preferred cooking oil and allow it to heat up nicely. A hot pan ensures the flatbread cooks evenly and gets those beautiful golden brown spots.
- Shape and Cook: Divide the batter equally into two portions for your two flatbreads. Carefully pour one portion of the batter into the hot pan, tilting the pan slightly to spread the batter into a roughly circular shape. Aim for a thickness of about ¼ inch (about 6 mm).
- Flatbread: Let the flatbread cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes. You'll start to see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges will begin to firm up and brown. This is your cue to flip the flatbread! Use a spatula to carefully flip it over. Cook for another 3 minutes on the other side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat and Enjoy: Repeat steps 6 and 7 to cook the second flatbread. Once both flatbreads are cooked, you can enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with different spices to personalize your flatbread flavor profile. A touch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can add a nice boost.
- Herb Heaven: Don't be limited to the herbs listed in this recipe! Chopped spinach, kale, cilantro, or even a combination of your favorites can be used instead of, or in addition to, the parsley and green onion.
- Filling Fiesta: The beauty of these flatbreads lies in their versatility. Use them to scoop up hummus, guacamole, or your favorite dips. Build wraps with shredded chicken, roasted vegetables, or falafel. Get creative and explore a world of delicious possibilities!