Recipe: Apple and cheddar quinoa muffins

These aren’t your average muffins. Made with nutty quinoa and sweet apple, they are great as a side for soup or salad.

Serves 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa flour (see note)
• 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour or gluten-free flour blend
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup grated and peeled apple
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives or scallion greens
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

Preheat oven to 375. Coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper liners and spray the liners.

Whisk quinoa flour, whole-wheat flour (or gluten-free flour blend), baking powder, sugar and salt in a large bowl.

Whisk the eggs, buttermilk, apple, oil and chives (or scallions) in a medium bowl. 

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients.

Add half the cheese and stir until the dry ingredients are moistened; do not overmix. 

Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tan. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Bake the muffins until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving.

Note: To make your own quinoa flour, grind whole grains of quinoa into a powder using a clean coffee grinder.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):
169 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 306mg sodium, 19g carbohydrates, 6g protein, 3g fiber, 4g sugar

Adapted from: Eating Well
Reviewed by PeaceHealth dietitians and nutritionists.