Why You’ll Love This Quinoa Bread Recipe
You’ll absolutely love this quinoa bread recipe because it combines nutrition with delicious flavor. The texture is wonderfully soft, and the subtle nuttiness from quinoa elevates every slice.
I adore how it makes my kitchen smell heavenly while baking—there’s nothing quite like that warm, inviting aroma. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; I enjoy it toasted with avocado or as a base for my favorite sandwiches.
Knowing I’m fueling my body with wholesome ingredients makes it even better. Once you try this recipe, I’m sure you’ll want to make it a regular part of your baking routine, just like I have!
Ingredients of Quinoa Bread
When it comes to baking, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that aren’t only tasty but also good for you. This quinoa bread recipe is a perfect example. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients that make you feel good about what you’re eating. Plus, the blend of flavors and textures is something to rave about.
You’ll need a few staple items, along with some quinoa, to whip up this delightful bread. So, let’s gather what we need, and I’ll walk you through the ingredients that will make this delicious loaf come to life.
Here’s what you’re going to need to make this scrumptious quinoa bread:
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 1/4 cups bread flour
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 tablespoons cooked quinoa (for topping or mixing, if you like)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional, but who doesn’t love some crunch?)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water
Now, about these ingredients—I can’t stress enough how important it’s to use cooked quinoa. If you’re like me and sometimes forget to prep ahead, you may find yourself standing in the kitchen, staring at raw quinoa and wondering how it magically turns into the fluffy goodness we love.
Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. Cooking it first is key! Also, feel free to play around with the spices. If cloves aren’t your jam, you could try nutmeg or even a hint of ginger for a little zing.
And don’t skip on the walnuts if you can help it; they add a lovely texture that balances the softness of the bread. Trust me, you’ll be glad you took the time to gather these ingredients before diving into the baking process.
How to Make Quinoa Bread
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients for the quinoa bread, it’s time to plunge into the fun part—making it! First things first, if you haven’t already, make sure your quinoa is cooked. You’ll need 1 cup of cooked quinoa for the dough and, if you want to get fancy, 2 tablespoons more for sprinkling on top or mixing in.
Once that’s out of the way, grab your trusty bread machine. If you’re like me, you might’ve a little battle with the machine at first—sometimes it seems like the settings are written in ancient hieroglyphics. But don’t worry, I promise it’s easier than it looks.
Start by adding 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast into the bread pan. Then, toss in 2 1/4 cups of bread flour, followed by the cooked quinoa. Next, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
If you’re using walnuts, add 1/4 cup of those chopped beauties now. They’ll give the bread an amazing crunch. Now for the wet ingredients: pour in 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and crack in 3 large eggs. Finally, add 1/2 cup of water to help it all come together.
Once you’ve got everything in the pan, close the lid and select the bread cycle on your machine. Now, here’s the part where you can kick back and relax. While the machine does its thing, you can imagine all the wonderful aromas wafting through your house.
Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, maybe take a quick dance break. Just don’t forget about your bread. After the cycle is complete, wait patiently—if you can—for the bread to cool a bit before slicing.
And trust me, it’s going to be hard not to plunge right in. But a little patience pays off. You’ll end up with a loaf of quinoa bread that’s soft, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Enjoy!
Quinoa Bread Substitutions & Variations
While experimenting with quinoa bread, you might find yourself wanting to tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free blend. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to replace them with almonds or pecans. You can also swap out brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
Want a savory twist? Add herbs like rosemary or thyme. If you prefer a lighter texture, try using egg whites instead of whole eggs.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative!
Additional Tips & Notes
Although baking quinoa bread can be straightforward, there are a few tips that can elevate your results.
First, make sure your quinoa is well-cooked and cooled before mixing it in. This helps achieve the right texture.
I also recommend letting the dough rise in a warm spot; it really helps it expand.
If you want a crustier exterior, try brushing the top with a bit of water before baking.
Finally, don’t hesitate to experiment with spices or add-ins like dried fruit or seeds for extra flavor.
Enjoy the process, and you’ll be rewarded with delicious bread!