Like quinoa? Try my easy to make Simple Quinoa Salad to get more plant based protein.
Protein in quinoa
Quinoa is a great plant-based source of protein, making it popular among vegetarians and health-conscious eaters. Unlike many other plant foods, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why I love this recipe
- It’s healthy. Low in carbs and fat.
- High fiber and good amount of plant protein.
- Very easy to make it.
- You can put in the fridger to set it quicker.
- No need to turn on the oven.
Protein and calories
These tasty quinoa chia bites have about 5g of protein in just 90 calories.
Ingredients needed
- Cooked quinoa: Simply boil the quinoa for about 15 minutes.
- Cocoa powder: You can use 100% cocoa powder or any chocolate bar you have.
- Chia seeds: For the taste, look, and some extra fiber.
- Vanilla extract: Optional.
- Protein powder: Optional.
- Oat milk: I used milk because i wanted to use less peanut butter. Use can skip milk amount and add more peanut butter.
- Peanut butter: Use smooth peanut butter.
- Maple syrup: According to your sweetness. Skip this to make it sugar free.
Cooking quinoa
Cooking quinoa requires two parts of water and one part of quinoa. While that’s still true, I’m only using one and half part of water. That’s because some water is already absorbed by quinoa after it’s washed.
Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until all the water is gone. Remember to cool down the cooked quinoa before mixing with the veggies. Use a plate or a large pot with a flat surface to spread the quinoa and speed up the cooling process.
Usha’s recipe tips
- Feel free to use honey if you don’t have maple syrup.
- A chocolate bar will do fine if you don’t have cocoa powder. I recommend a dark chocolate bar.
- Set it in the fridger to make it quicker. But remember to take it out before it fridges.
- You can also mix chia seeds into the batter, before pouring into the cake tin.
Storage instructions
- To store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3 days in the fridge.
- To freeze: Store them in a shallow container in the freezer for up to three months.
Frequently asked questions
According to USDA, quinoa has 14.3g of protein per 100 gram.
How to make Quinoa Chia Bites (recipe)
Fudgy Quinoa Chia Bites (No Bake) (VIDEO)
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp protein powder
- 2 tbsp oat milk
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Video
Instructions
- Firstly, we prepare the tray, line a small baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside.Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine all wet ingredients until smooth and creamy, resembling a peanut butter batter.1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp salt, ¼ cup peanut butter, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp oat milk
- To the same bowl, add cocoa powder and protein powder. Mix thoroughly until well combined.¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp protein powder
- Now time to add protein and fiber. Stir in the cooked quinoa, ensuring all ingredients are evenly mixed.1 cup cooked quinoa
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray. Use a spatula to press it down firmly, spreading it evenly and filling all corners.
- Now bost your bites with chia seed. Sprinkle chia seeds on top.1 tbsp chia seeds
- Press them down gently with the spatula to adhere to the surface.Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until the mixture is firm.
- Remove from the refrigerator and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Enjoy your healthy quinoa chia bites!
