Ingredients:

• 100g quinoa (about ½ cup)
• 2 tablespoons oat flour (or any gluten-free flour of your choice)
• 250 ml water (about 1 cup)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt

Making It Step by Step:

1. Prepare the Quinoa:
   • If you’re using raw quinoa, start by rinsing it under cold water for about 1-2 minutes. This step is important as it removes the natural coating called saponin, which can make quinoa taste bitter. Once rinsed, drain the quinoa well.
2. Cook the Quinoa:
   • In a medium-sized saucepan, add the rinsed quinoa and 250 ml of water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to steam and fluff it with a fork.
3. Cool and Blend:
   • Allow the cooked quinoa to cool slightly. Transfer it to a blender or food processor. Add the oat flour, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth, thick batter. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water to achieve the right consistency. The batter should be spreadable but not too runny.
4. Prepare the Pan:
   • Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. If you don’t have a non-stick pan, lightly grease the pan with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the Flatbread:
   • Pour a ladleful of the quinoa batter onto the skillet and spread it out evenly with a spatula to form a thin, round flatbread. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side, or until the edges start to lift and the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the flatbread using a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until it is cooked through and both sides are golden.
6. Repeat and Serve:
   • Repeat the process with the remaining batter, making sure to grease the pan as needed. Once all the flatbreads are cooked, serve them warm. You can enjoy them plain or with your favorite toppings, such as hummus, avocado, or a drizzle of olive oil and herbs.

Cooking Tips:

• Oat Flour Substitute: If you don’t have oat flour on hand, you can make your own by blending oats in a food processor until they form a fine powder. Alternatively, you can use other gluten-free flours like almond flour, chickpea flour, or rice flour.
• Consistency: If your batter is too thick, add a bit more water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too runny, add a little more flour.
• Seasoning: For added flavor, you can incorporate spices and herbs into the batter, such as garlic powder, dried oregano, or cumin.
• Storage: Store any leftover flatbreads in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store the cooked flatbreads in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side until heated through, or microwave them for about 20 seconds.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the flatbreads for up to 2 months. To freeze, place sheets of parchment paper between each flatbread to prevent sticking, and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to use, thaw them at room temperature and reheat in a skillet or oven.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximate):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 1g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Vitamin A: 0% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 0% of the DV
• Calcium: 2% of the DV
• Iron: 6% of the DV

FAQs:

1. Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
   • While this recipe is specifically designed for quinoa, you could experiment with other grains like millet or amaranth, although the texture and flavor may differ. Be sure to cook the grains thoroughly before blending them into the batter.
2. What can I use instead of oat flour?
   • If you don’t have oat flour, you can substitute it with any other gluten-free flour such as chickpea flour, rice flour, or almond flour. Regular all-purpose flour can also be used if you are not concerned about gluten-free options.
3. Can I make this flatbread vegan?
   • This flatbread is already vegan as it contains no animal products. To keep it vegan, ensure that any additional toppings or accompaniments are also plant-based.
4. Is this flatbread suitable for people with celiac disease?
   • Yes, this flatbread is gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats or oat flour. Always check product labels to ensure that there is no cross-contamination with gluten.
5. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
   • It’s best to cook the flatbreads immediately after preparing the batter for the best texture and flavor. However, you can store the batter in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours if needed. Stir it well before cooking.
6. Can I bake this flatbread instead of frying it?
   • Yes, you can bake the flatbread. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread it into a thin layer. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until both sides are golden and cooked through.
7. What can I serve with this flatbread?
   • Quinoa flatbread can be served with a variety of toppings or sides. Try it with hummus, avocado slices, roasted vegetables, or a drizzle of tahini. It also pairs well with soups and salads for a light meal.
8. Can I add other ingredients to the batter?
   • Absolutely! You can add finely chopped herbs, grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini, or even some shredded cheese to the batter for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion:

Quinoa flatbread is a simple, healthy, and versatile recipe that is perfect for those looking to enjoy a gluten-free and nutritious alternative to traditional bread. With its mild nutty flavor and soft texture, this flatbread can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this quinoa flatbread is a delicious way to incorporate more whole grains and plant-based protein into your diet. Give this recipe a try, and discover how easy and satisfying it is to make your own homemade flatbread!