Popped Quinoa Recipe - Pepper Bowl

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Its crunchy, nutty, and light snack can exist; this Popped Quinoa is the proof. Perfect to serve as a standalone snack or a topping for yogurt, cereal, or salad. It's a lighter alternative to regular popcorn.

creamy yogurt was topped with popped quinoa for the breakfast

This is my go-to recipe(also this Indian quinoa salad); I only need a pan and quinoa. And nothing else.

Once popped, they are tiny, granular, and are super crispy. It gives a satisfying pop; these grains remain the same size even after popping but with a crunchy bite(similar to this spicy nuts).

This simple, quick, munching recipe-anyone can make it with no skill needed, all in 3 to 5 minutes.

Just add it to the pan and shake until all the grains pop.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients
How To Make Popped Quinoa
The Leftovers
Tips
How To Use
FAQ
More Snack Recipes To Try
📖 Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

⭐️Versatile to use.

⭐️Easy to make and highly adaptable!

⭐️With the satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Quinoa: I used regular Pre-Washed Quinoa for this recipe. Choose any color of your choice: red, black, or regular.

Stores carry the quinoa as washed/rinsed or non-washed/rinsed.

You can identify it by checking the package label for terms like "pre-washed" or "pre-rinsed." This means the quinoa has already been rinsed/washed to remove saponin, a natural coating that causes bitterness.

No prepping is needed if your quinoa's package says "washed or rinsed."

If your package does not say washed or rinsed(mostly organic quinoa is not washed or rinsed), you need to rinse and dry for the best flavors and taste(see below in the FAQ sections for detailed prepping instructions).

How To Make Popped Quinoa

Use a heavy-bottomed pan and heat it over medium-low heat. Add quinoa and spread it in a single layer. Wait until a few quinoa seeds start to pop.

Lift the pan and gently shake it back and forth to prevent burning. Place it back on the heat and allow the rest of the quinoa to pop. If the seeds start fuming, lift and shake again. Continue this process until all the quinoa grains have popped.

The Leftovers

Let the quinoa pop to cool completely, and transfer it to an airtight container.

Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for about two weeks, in the refrigerator for two weeks, and in the freezer for three months.

No thawing is needed; you can straightaway reheat over the stovetop for 2-3 minutes for warmth and crispiness.

Tips

It takes only a few seconds to go from perfectly popped quinoa to burnt grains, so pay all your attention while popping.
Heavy-bottomed pan: A cast-iron pan or any other pan with a heavy bottom ensures even heat.
Heat: Low to medium heat is the best.
Gently shake when needed to prevent the quinoa pops from burning.

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How To Use

Breakfast: Sprinkle it over a smoothie, oatmeal, granola, or muesli.
Salad & Soups: Add it over salads or soups for the crunchy bite.
Dessert & Icecreams: Use them while making breakfast bars, chocolate bark, or topping for ice cream or pudding.

FAQ

What is popped quinoa?

It's a light, crunchy snack. It's dry-toasted quinoa that becomes crispy and nutty, perfect for toppings, snacks, and granola bars.

How to prep the non-rinsed/washed quinoa?

Preheat the oven to 170°F. Rinse quinoa 4 times or until the water is clear, drain, and spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place on the middle rack, stirring occasionally. Dry for 2-3 hours, then proceed with the popping process.

Can you pop quinoa in the microwave?

Though we can pop the quinoa in the microwave, I find the stovetop method more reliable and effective for achieving a soft, crunchy texture.

Can you pop quinoa in an air popper?

One of our readers updated us that the air popper is throwing the quinoa because of its lightweight. So, popping quinoa with this machine is not working at the moment.

More Snack Recipes To Try

Roasted Brussels Sprouts And Sweet Potatoes
A Complete Guide For Spicy Cooking
Cajun Gravy
Spicy Roasted Potatoes

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐ star rating and let me know your thoughts in the 📝 comments section below the recipe.

📖 Recipe

Popped Quinoa Recipe

These popped quinoa are a crispy, crunchy snack, or toss them as a topping for yogurt, cereal, or salad. They are also a feel-good munch. 4.67 from 15 votes Print Pin Rate Prep Time: 2 minutes Cook Time: 8 minutes Servings: 6 servings Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

▢ ½ cup quinoa pre-rinsed and dried

Instructions

In medium to slow flame, heat a heavy bottomed pot.
Once it becomes hot, add quinoa.
Wait until you start seeing quinoa pops.
Then gently shake back and forth to avoid quinoa scorching to the pan.
Continue to do so, until all the grains popped completely.

Notes

Watch closely, as quinoa can burn quickly-gently shake the pan to prevent scorching.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for two weeks, in the fridge for two weeks, or freeze for three months.
No thawing is needed; reheat on the stovetop for 2-3 minutes to restore warmth and crispiness.