Description
Make these simple, crunchy crisps using puffed quinoa coated in rich dark chocolate for a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 4 ounces dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Rinse the dry quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve. Drain well.
- Heat a large, dry, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rinsed and drained quinoa.
- Stir the quinoa constantly for 5 to 8 minutes until it begins to pop like popcorn. Remove immediately from heat once most grains have popped and transfer the puffed quinoa to a large bowl.
- In a small saucepan, combine the coconut oil and maple syrup. Heat over low heat until the oil is melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
- Pour the warm syrup mixture over the puffed quinoa. Add the vanilla extract and sea salt. Stir gently until all the quinoa is evenly coated.
- Spread the coated quinoa in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15 minutes to dry out and crisp further. Let cool completely.
- Melt the chopped dark chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the cooled, crispy quinoa mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture until the chocolate is distributed.
- Spread the mixture back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Press lightly to form a thin layer or leave as clusters.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm. Break into pieces before serving.
Notes
- For best popping results, ensure the quinoa is completely dry before heating.
- If you prefer bars over loose crisps, press the mixture firmly into an 8×8 inch pan before chilling.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor in this simple recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 35
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 0