For this monthly recipe challenge of “What do we do with this?”, when Bec selected the Quinoa Flakes I had many options to choose from when it came time to create a recipe.
Quinoa flakes are merely pressed Quinoa and can often be used as a breakfast cereal. Quinoa is known as a superfood and has many health benefits.
They are often used in breakfast recipes and can also be a great addition to savoury dishes.
Lara Flanagan
Yields 24 balls
Serves 6
Carrot Cake Quinoa Flake Bites - Vegan, gluten-free, raw, dairy-free and deliciously easy to make and share.
30 minPrep Time
30 minTotal Time
Save RecipeIngredients
- 90-gram grated carrot
- 120-gram nut butter of your choice
- ½ cup freshly squeeze orange juice
- 4 teaspoons of Maple Syrup
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- Zest of one orange
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 120-gram of Quinoa Flakes
- 60-gram of Rolled Oats
- 6-tablespoons of almond meal
Instructions
- In mix master bowl add the carrots, nut butter, orange juice, maple syrup, turmeric, vanilla, cinnamon, orange zest and salt. Mix on low speed until well combined.
- Once combined add the quinoa flakes, oats and almond meal.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes allowing mixture to firm up.
- Use a tablespoon measure to portion out the dough and place on board or baking tray.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate in air-tight container for later!
Quinoa dates back thousands of years to Inca times. Since the Incas believed the consumption of Quinoa increased the stamina of their warriors it is often referred to as “Inca gold”.
Quinoa has a high absorbency rate so are very quick and easy to prepare.
They also have many other health benefits including the following:
Protein: Quinoa is a protein-rich food – the protein in Quinoa is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids.
Fibre: Quinoa contains almost twice as much fibre as most other grains. It allows you to feel fuller for longer and is less ‘energy dense’ which means it has fewer calories for its volume.
Iron: Quinoa is high in iron which helps keep our red blood cells healthy.
Lysine: Quinoa contains lysine which is mainly essential for tissue growth and repair.
Magnesium: Quinoa is rich in magnesium which helps relax blood vessels and may also reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Riboflavin (B2): Quinoa is also high in B2 which assists in energy metabolism.
One of the things I struggle with is having tasty, but healthy treats on hand so I thought I would come up with a Quinoa Flake type of Bliss Ball or bite!
These carrot cake quinoa flake bites are just like regular carrot cake without all the hidden nasties! Containing the superfood quinoa flakes they can be an added energy boost, perfect as a snack and contain only natural (and good for you) ingredients.
They are also incredibly easy to make!
Courtesy of Lara Flanagan.
Lara is the author of My Notes from New England, a blog that takes a humorous look at the adventures of a single mum with two young twins who enjoys cooking, eating well, living in the country and travelling the world looking to inspire and be inspired.
