Reader’s Spotlight: Quinoa Flour

by Nicole on February 25, 2011

Happy Friday! It’s super dreary here, with rain forecasted all day. I want to go to Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods today, but I HATE food shopping in the rain…so it’s debatable. Last night we went to Rubirosa in Nolita (on Mulberry between Prince and Spring). We had a ton of food including vodka pizza, pesto pizza and the cavatelli dish. We split everything and it was really, really good. The pizza was thin crust and very crispy, just the way I like it.

So in all my baking this week, I thought I would share with you something new:

Another thing you know about it is my love for trying new flours. I have been using whole wheat and spelt flour for the longest, then garbanzo and recently quinoa flour has entered my repertoire. I like to switch it up and try different things, and since I’m sure a fan of the high protein ancient grain, I figured why not try quinoa flour??

Now, don’t let this overwhelm you. And DON’T feel like you need to run out and get this. You know I always say you need to use what you have in your pantry because that’s what’s realistic and practical…but if you are ever out shopping and see it, then why not pick it up? I try to order a new flour once every couple of orders from iherb. (Use code CUL864 at checkout for $5.00 off) It’s pretty cheap there…way cheaper than Whole Foods and they have Bob’s Red Mill, one of my favorite companies.

So why quinoa flour? Well, let me tell you about quinoa first.

Quinoa is an extremely high-energy grain and has been grown and consumed for about 8,000 years on the high plains of the Andes Mountains in South America.

Why Quinoa?

  • Contains all eight amino acids to make it a complete protein
  • Has a protein content equal to milk
  • High in B vitamins, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium & vitamin E
  • Gluten-free; easy to digest
  • Ideal food for endurance
  • Strengthens the kidneys, heart, and lungs

Now, what to do with quinoa flour?

  • You can replace 1 cup of flour in your muffins. I recently have been making muffins with 1 cup spelt flour, 1 cup quinoa flour. My muffins get an extra protein boost that way and they don’t taste any different.
  • Make falafels.
  • Instead of socca, make a quinoa pita
  • Add some quinoa flour to your pizza dough or bread!

The possibilities are endless, really!

What crazy flours have you tried? Any recommendations?

Have a great weekend!

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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }

Colleen @ The Lunchbox Diaries February 25, 2011 at 9:04 am

I love your blog because I learn something new every time I read it :) And we’re on the same page about wanting to go to Whole Foods – but it’s raining here, too and I HATE buying groceries in rain. Yuck.
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Nicole February 25, 2011 at 9:44 am

aw thank you Colleen that is so sweet of you!

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Delishhh February 25, 2011 at 10:49 am

What a great and informative post. I need to try the flour as a substitute. Great blog!

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Kristina February 25, 2011 at 10:53 am

I just started making socca with garbonzo flour-but I heard I need to try Quinoa flour next!

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Dana February 25, 2011 at 10:54 am

I really have to start trying different flours. I usually stick to white and whole wheat, but like you said… why not use something that has more protein and nutritional benefits? I’m going to pick this up next time i see it!

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Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) February 25, 2011 at 12:04 pm

I love quinoa flour! I used it as a thickener in my veggie gumbo and it makes incredible waffles!

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mandy (the amazon princess) February 25, 2011 at 6:14 pm

Ugh I’ve been looking for quinoa flour for a while. I’m obsessed with quinoa! :D I think I’ll use that code and order it. Thanks girly!

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Elizabeth@The Sweet Life February 25, 2011 at 7:36 pm

As Upper West Siders, we really need to go downtown more. Thanks for the reminder!
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kalli February 26, 2011 at 4:49 pm

ive never tried quinoa flour. the stats look great though!

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Rach February 26, 2011 at 5:22 pm

I’ve never tried this flour before, but I’m curious!

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Lisa February 26, 2011 at 5:40 pm

I love quinoa and quinoa flour! It’s definitely my favorite.
I also love buckwheat flour….

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Megan March 2, 2011 at 2:34 pm

I will keep an eye out for this. I would love to try it!
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