Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps Recipe

by Jamie and Alex Thompson

I’m thrilled to unveil my latest obsession with sweet treats with a guilt-free edge—Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps. Now, before you raise a skeptical eyebrow, wondering how the humble quinoa could ever dance in harmony with the decadent lushness of dark chocolate, let me assure you, this is one duet you won’t want to miss.

How to make Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps

Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps are a snack or treat that typically combines crispy quinoa with a layer of dark chocolate. The quinoa is usually popped or toasted to create a light, crunchy texture, and then it’s coated in dark chocolate, sometimes with additional ingredients like sea salt, caramel, or other flavorings to enhance the taste.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of quinoa (uncooked)
  • 200 grams of high-quality dark chocolate (preferably 70% cocoa or higher for that rich flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil (this is optional but helps make the chocolate smoother)
  • A pinch of sea salt (to enhance the flavors)
  • Optional toppings: chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts), dried fruits (cranberries, cherries), or sea salt flakes

Instructions:

Preparing the Quinoa:

  1. Rinse and Dry: Start by thoroughly rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. After rinsing, ensure the quinoa is well-dried. You can use a salad spinner or pat it dry with a kitchen towel.
  2. Toast the Quinoa: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the dried quinoa (without any oil) and toast it, stirring frequently until the grains start popping and turn a light golden brown. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes. This step adds a nutty flavor and ensures the quinoa is crispy.
  3. Cooling: Remove the toasted quinoa from the skillet and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool. The quinoa should be completely cool before mixing with chocolate to avoid melting the chocolate prematurely.

Preparing the Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps:

  1. Melt the Chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into smaller pieces and add it to a heatproof bowl along with the tablespoon of coconut oil. Melt the mixture using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
  2. Combine with Quinoa: Fold in the toasted quinoa until it’s evenly coated with chocolate once the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  3. Shape the Crisps: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop dollops of the chocolate-quinoa mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. You can shape them as you like, but keep them bite-sized for an easy snack.
  4. Add Toppings (Optional): If you’re using any toppings like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or sea salt flakes, sprinkle them on top of the crisps before they set.
  5. Chill: Refrigerate the quinoa crisps for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate has completely hardened.

Tips for Making the Perfect Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps:

  • Quality Matters: The flavor of your crisps heavily depends on the chocolate you choose. For the best result, opt for high-quality dark chocolate that you enjoy alone.
  • Be Patient When Toasting: Keep a close eye on the quinoa while toasting, as it can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly. A low and slow approach ensures even toasting.
  • Storage: Store the crisps in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to two weeks but are best enjoyed within the first few days for optimal texture.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative with additions to the chocolate mixture. A dash of vanilla extract, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a pinch of chili powder can transform these crisps into a gourmet experience.

What to serve with

Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps are incredibly versatile; whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or snuggling up for a movie night, they can be paired with various companions to enhance the experience.

With Beverages:

  • Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of a good coffee or a strong shot of espresso complements the rich flavor of the dark chocolate and the nutty crispness of quinoa.
  • Red Wine: A full-bodied red wine, like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, with fruity notes can balance the bitterness of the dark chocolate, making for a sophisticated pairing.
  • Port or Dessert Wine: For an indulgent experience, pair with a sweet and strong dessert wine like Port or Tawny, as it harmonizes beautifully with the dark chocolate.
  • Tea: A hot cup of Earl Grey, or even peppermint tea, can bring out the subtleties of the dark chocolate and refresh the palate between bites.

With Dairy and Dairy Alternatives:

  • Ice Cream: Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for a fantastic contrast in temperatures and textures.
  • Cheese Plate: A cheese platter with an assortment of mild cheeses, like Brie or Camembert, can highlight the crisp’s decadence without overpowering it.
  • Yogurt: For a breakfast treat, sprinkle broken pieces over Greek yogurt to add a crunchy, luxurious element.

With Fruits:

  • Fresh Berries: Pair them with strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of juiciness against the crisp crunch.
  • Citrus Segments: The tang from orange or grapefruit segments can cut through the richness of the chocolate and refresh your taste buds.
  • Dried Fruit: For a chewy contrast, serve with dried apricots, figs, or mangoes—they also complement the chocolate and quinoa flavors.

With Desserts:

  • Mousse or Pudding: Serve on the side of a dark chocolate mousse or a creamy pudding to add a crunchy texture to the smooth dessert.
  • Cakes and Pastries: Crumble them over cakes or slices of pastries to add a delightful crunch and a touch of elegance to your dessert presentation.

With Nuts and Seeds:

  • Assorted Nuts: A mix of almonds, cashews, walnuts, and hazelnuts contribute to the nutty profile and add variety to the mouthfeel when enjoyed with quinoa crisps.
  • Toasted Seeds: Lightly toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds can add another dimension to the snacking experience.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps usually involves blending dark chocolate and quinoa, sometimes along with added sweeteners or flavorings. However, if you’re looking to modify the recipe—whether due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply a lack of certain ingredients in your pantry—you can use plenty of substitutes.

1. Dark Chocolate Alternatives:

  • Milk Chocolate or White Chocolate: If you don’t like the bitterness of dark chocolate, you can opt for milk or white chocolate. Keep in mind that these chocolates are sweeter, which might affect the final taste.
  • Cocoa Powder with Fat (Coconut Oil or Butter): For a completely different approach, melt a fat source like coconut oil or butter and mix it with cocoa powder and your choice of sweetener to make your base.
  • Carob Chips: For a caffeine-free option, carob chips can be a great substitute. They’re naturally sweet and have a similar texture to melted chocolate when used in recipes.

2. Quinoa Alternatives:

  • Puffed Rice or Puffed Millet: These can be used to create a similar crispy texture. They are lighter than quinoa but offer a delightful crunch.
  • Chia Seeds or Flaxseeds: For a different nutritional profile, these seeds can be mixed into your melted chocolate for added health benefits and a bit of texture.
  • Nuts (Almonds, Hazelnuts, Walnuts, Crushed): Adding crushed nuts instead of or along with quinoa can offer a more robust crunch and a nutty flavor, enhancing the complexity of your crisps.

3. Sweeteners (If Adding):

  • Maple Syrup or Honey: If your dark chocolate is too bitter and you wish to add a natural sweetener, maple syrup or honey can be a great addition. They also help slightly loosen the chocolate mix, making it easier to work with.
  • Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: These are excellent substitutes for those monitoring their sugar intake. They’re much sweeter than sugar, so use sparingly and according to taste.

4. Flavorings:

  • Vanilla Extract Substitute: If you don’t have vanilla extract, use almond extract or a liqueur that complements chocolate, like orange or raspberry liqueur, to add depth to your crisps.
  • Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt can enhance the flavors, but if you want to substitute, try flavored salts like smoked salt for an interesting twist.

5. Binders (If Used):

  • Agave Syrup or Brown Rice Syrup can be used instead of corn syrup or other binders to give the crisps a chewy texture.
  • Peanut Butter or Almond Butter: Nut butters are excellent binding agents and add a creamy texture, bringing a nutty flavor and holding the crisps together.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy making these delightful Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps. They’re not just a treat to your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making them perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself).

More Dark Chocolate Recipes:

Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps Recipe

Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps

Serves: 4 Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 120 calories 6 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of quinoa (uncooked)
  • 200 grams of high-quality dark chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
  • A pinch of sea salt (to enhance the flavors)
  • Optional toppings: chopped nuts

Instructions

Preparing the Quinoa:

  1. Rinse and Dry: Start by thoroughly rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. After rinsing, ensure the quinoa is well-dried. You can use a salad spinner or pat it dry with a kitchen towel.
  2. Toast the Quinoa: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the dried quinoa (without any oil) and toast it, stirring frequently until the grains start popping and turn a light golden brown. This should take about 5 to 10 minutes. This step adds a nutty flavor and ensures the quinoa is crispy.
  3. Cooling: Remove the toasted quinoa from the skillet and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool. The quinoa should be completely cool before mixing with chocolate to avoid melting the chocolate prematurely.

Preparing the Dark Chocolate Quinoa Crisps:

  1. Melt the Chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into smaller pieces and add it to a heatproof bowl along with the tablespoon of coconut oil. Melt the mixture using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
  2. Combine with Quinoa: Fold in the toasted quinoa until it's evenly coated with chocolate once the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  3. Shape the Crisps: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop dollops of the chocolate-quinoa mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. You can shape them as you like, but keep them bite-sized for an easy snack.
  4. Add Toppings (Optional): If you’re using any toppings like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or sea salt flakes, sprinkle them on top of the crisps before they set.
  5. Chill: Refrigerate the quinoa crisps for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate has completely hardened.

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