What Are Quinoa Flakes? Tips To Cook, Eat And Store Them
Image Credit: Uncooked quinoa flakes, Nixonbulkfoods.com

The rising interest in quinoa is undeniable. There are many ardent fans of this "superfood" around the world. But the time and effort required to prepare quinoa is its sole drawback. Those who desire a solution to this problem should try quinoa flakes. These are the bare bones from which a meal can be made in a flash. Quinoa flakes are a great pick if you're looking for a gluten-free, high-protein breakfast option. Quinoa flakes are a nutritious alternative to oatmeal or overnight-soaked oats for breakfast. This article aims to educate the reader about quinoa flakes and how to incorporate them into their regular diet.

Quinoa flakes: what are they?

You'll probably enjoy quinoa flakes if you're familiar with rolled oats. Like the former, the latter is only quinoa grains that have been mechanically compressed. In flake form, quinoa is significantly more expensive than conventional oatmeal.

Like with whole grain quinoa, the taste of quinoa flakes is mellow and somewhat nutty, and they can be slightly bitter. When toasted, their naturally sweet and nutty flavour really comes through. The flakes are versatile and may be used in various ways, whether making a nutritious breakfast bowl with coconut milk, seeds, berries and fruits or a savoury recipe with wholesome components.

Who can eat quinoa flakes?

Breakfast quinoa flakes are an excellent option for those following vegan or gluten-free diets, as they are compatible with such eating patterns. They have the nutritional value of whole-grain quinoa but take significantly less time to prepare than traditional oatmeal for breakfast.

Quinoa flakes porridge, Image Source: digest.nakedfoods.com

Preparing quinoa flakes

Quinoa flakes, as opposed to whole quinoa, are ready to eat in a fraction of the time. To cook quinoa, bring water or milk to a boil and toss the flakes while the liquid is still boiling. Once the pot has rested for a minute or two, mix it thoroughly, and it will be ready to use. Mix 3 cups of water with 1 cup of quinoa flakes. You can adjust the thickness and smoothness to your liking. For thicker cereal, use less liquid; for thinner cereal, use more.

Aside from the previously mentioned methods, quinoa flakes can be toasted in a dry skillet until they become fragrant and golden. You can now incorporate it into a pot of boiling soy milk, dairy, or water. Dry quinoa flakes can be substituted for oats in any recipe that calls for oats, and they also make a great gluten-free breading.

Using quinoa flakes in the kitchen, one can get very inventive. Breakfast is the most basic kind. Nevertheless, with a bit of ingenuity, you can turn them into nutritious trail snacks like cookies, protein bars, and granola bars that are easy to pack for a hike, an after-workout snack, or a quick lunch.

Storage Tips

Once you have opened the package, pour it into an air-tight jar. Storing the opened or unopened packet in the refrigerator is advisable to increase the shelf-life of quinoa flakes. It can stay fresh for as long as a year or more. Likewise, the cooked quinoa flakes are best to be eaten as soon as possible without letting them sit in the fridge and get stale.