Puffed Quinoa

Puffed Quinoa

The magic seed Quinoa  needs no introduction. Quinoa is the seed of a green leafy plant but used as a grain when cooking.Quinoa has mild flavor and  can be used in cooking with different ingredients.It can be substituted for rice and I have seen recipes using Quinoa in myriad different ways.Even though quinoa salad is one of my most liked way to eat it ,this puffed Quinoa snack has become my new favorite.Making puffed quinoa wasn't as hard as I thought it would be.I just followed these simple steps.

Making Puffed Quinoa :

1. Heat  wide  pan on high until  really hot. Lightly oil the bottom of the pan.
2. Add about quarter cup of quinoa making sure it is in a single layer at the bottom of the pan.
3. When the kernels pop ,shake the pan a little to help all kernels spread evenly to pop.
4. Move the kernels to a bowl and repeat .

Remember ,visually regular and popped Quinoa look the same.Taste wise ,popped Quinoa is crunchier and more flavorful.

Plain Yogurt Topped With Quinoa Granola

Savory Quinoa Granola :

3/4 cup puffed Quinoa
1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds
1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
2 tbspn toasted peanuts, chopped
1 tbspn dry unsweetened  toasted coconut
1/2 tspn Mediterranean spice mix
Salt and pepper to taste 

Method :

Mix all the ingredients  together. Can be stored in a dry container and used for more than a week.

This is my to go snack now and the possibilities to use this are endless.My most favorite way is to toss it on plain yogurt for a filling snack. Enjoy !