While I had planned on moving onto the next grain in my "Whole Grains Series," I just had to sneak in another hearty quinoa recipe. If you missed the first one, I encourage you to check it out! It's a good one ;). There are different colored quinoa - red, white, black - and they taste slightly different from one another. While I mostly use white quinoa (it's what's available at Costco and seems to be most economical), it's fun to mix it up once in a while. Red quinoa tastes a bit bitter and seems crunchier to me than the white kind. What I love most about this variety is its brilliant color. When you mix it in salads, it def has that "wow" factor. Its vibrant color is sure to impress! I've never actually seen black quinoa, but from what I hear, it's even more bitter than the other two.
So I feel compelled to reiterate the versatility of quinoa. Just when I think I've seen all of its various applications, I come across one that makes me wonder "now why didn't I think of that?" Quinoa Crepes is one of them. As I flipped through the pages of Grain Mains and my eyes landed on this recipe (I wished there was a picture of it), I knew instantly that it was going to taste magical. And it did!
While it's supposed to be a crêpe, I've never mastered the art of crêpe-making. One of these days... As you're about to see, my version is a lot thicker, hence the name "pancake." I don't know about you but there are a lot of times when I follow a recipe, and it doesn't come out the way it's supposed to. However, somehow it turns out perfect and just how you like it. I guess this is what you call a fortuitous accident ;).
I loved the hearty, nutty flavor and the chewy texture of these pancakes. The original recipe also instructs you to fold the crêpe over the filling, but there was no way I could do that with mine. So on top it went. As far as the filling goes, the sky is the limit! Here's one inspiration...
Ingredients
- ½ cup red quinoa
- 1 ½ cups 2% milk
- ¼ cup oil plus more for the skillet
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Filling
- 2 ½ cups frozen corn kernels, thawed (you can use fresh)
- 2 large avocados diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh oregano leaves or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Filling: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.
- Crepes: Cook red quinoa. Reduce heat to low and cook until the grains have developed their halos and are tender, 10-12 min. * Drain in a fine-mesh sieve or a lined colander. Run under cool water until the grains are room temp. Drain thoroughly.
- Whisk the cooked quinoa in a large bowl with the milk, almond oil, honey, and egg. Whisk in ww pastry flour, baking powder, and salt to make a batter.
- Lightly grease a 12-in nonstick sillet with some almond oil on a wadded-up paper towel. Heat over med-low heat. Pour in ½ cup batter all around the skillet, not in a lump in the center. Quickly swirl the skillet to spread the batter out evenly. Cook until the bottom is set and bubbles throughout, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook about 30 sec more, until set and lightly browned. Transfer. Continue making more crepes. **
- Set crepe on a plate, spoon about ⅔ cup of filling.
Notes
As I mentioned, you can make whatever filling you'd like. It can be savory or sweet. The star is the quinoa pancake. While it is an excellent vehicle for various ingredients, it tastes delicious all by itself. Just tear with your hands and devour. That's what I did to about 2 of these while making them. It's so filling too. It kept me full for quite some time. Tim thought they were mighty tasty as well! So give them a try and whether you turn it into a crêpe or a pancake, it makes for a one heck of a nutrient-dense and satisfying snack, appetizer, meal...whatever you make it to be!
Khushboo Thadani (@KhushbooThadani) says
I've started cooking quinoa in batches so I almost always have some cooked up in the fridge! Rather than my usual stir fry way of eating it, I am definitely going to give these a shot...let's be honest, everything tastes better in pancake form ;)! Thanks for the yum idea, Min!
Alice Choi (@HipFoodieMom1) says
Hi Min! Wow! These look great! I like "pancakes" better. . seems heartier! 🙂 Will definitely give this recipe a try. . we love quinoa! And just read that you are in Austin? I went to school there . . UT and was born and raised in Dallas! I now live in WA but Texas will always be home sweet home. Glad we've connected! 🙂
freshlifefindings says
Yum! These look delicious, Min. And I love the savory toppings you added to the pancake. I'm sure Darin will love these so I'm going to have to give them a try 🙂
Min says
Yay! I hope you guys will enjoy them! Let me know how they turn out 😉
Honey What's Cooking says
Very cool idea.. turning quinoa into a pancake. I love how you added avocados in there, so savory and delicious. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Min says
I would never have thought of it either. I have the book Grain Mains to thank ;). I'm going to be trying your quinoa meatballs very soon, and I'll be sure to let you know how they turned out!
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health says
this is a brilliant idea- love love love it 🙂 I have never eaten different colored quinoa yet. Will be making this soon.
Min says
Oh you MUST try the red ones! There's just subtle difference in flavor, but the color is gorgeous!
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
Min, I LOVE the look of this! What a brilliant idea! This is a really nice way to serve quinoa slightly differently, and I bet would appeal to lots of people who don't think they like quinoa too 😉
Min says
You're absolutely right! There are sooo many ways to enjoy quinoa, and there's something for everyone 😉
rosewithoutthorns says
This looks beautiful min! thanks for sharing with us another cool way of using quinoa! so far I've only used it once and I have to admit I've been very lazy - havent been cooking much since being back in Singapore. but once I head back to BA I will try my hardest to get back the rhythm of cooking!
Min says
Hi Felicia! I'm glad you're having a great time with your family in Singapore! I have a feeling it's going to take no time at all for you to get back into the swing of things and work your magic in the kitchen ;).
katie lewis (@slowdownsavor) says
They look beautiful!!!
Min says
thank you!
savynaturalista says
I love this recipe I am going to try it this weekend, I didn't even know you could use quinoa for pancakes...
Min says
Oh yes! You can make pancakes with anything ;).
Leah says
Mmm, I love the idea of filling a pancake with all of these savory goodies! I like how you referred to this recipe as a "fortuitous accident." 🙂 I've never tried a quinoa pancake but I'm pinning this to try later!
Min says
One of these days I'll be able to actually fold it over so that it actually becomes a "filling." hehe..but until then I'm happy with these fat ones 😉
Laurie @ Love, Laugh, Laurie says
YUM! Your recipes always look so amazing! Please come cook for me, and bring Kona 🙂
Min says
Thanks, Laurie! I would love to...but I don't know if I can handle the snow ;). I'd love to see Kona play with Milo bear!