Have a little time for a weekend bake? This quinoa and chia loaf starts with an overnight soak, then comes together in a food processor. Let it cool completely before slicing, and try a slice toasted with your favourite topping.
Ingredients
- 300 g whole uncooked quinoa
- 60 g whole chia seeds
- 250 mL water, divided, plus extra for soaking the quinoa
- 60 mL olive oil
- ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 4 dried culinary lemon balm or lemon verbena leaves, finely crushed, optional
Method
- Cover quinoa generously with cold water and soak overnight in the fridge.
- In a separate covered container, mix chia seeds with 125 mL water. Stir several times as a gel forms, then refrigerate overnight.
- Heat a fan-forced oven to 160°C. Line a loaf tin with baking paper.
- Drain and rinse the quinoa thoroughly, then let excess water drain away.
- Put quinoa, chia gel, remaining 125 mL water, oil, bicarbonate of soda, salt, lemon juice and optional herbs into a food processor.
- Process for about 3 minutes to make a batter with some quinoa texture remaining. Spoon into the tin.
- Bake for about 1½ hours, until set and the quinoa is tender. Check the centre is cooked; oven performance and tin size affect timing.
- Cool in the tin for 30 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Once completely cool, cut gently with a serrated knife.
Serving and storing
Try avocado or a favourite spread on a slice. Refrigerate the loaf or freeze portions once cooled. General storage guidance recommends keeping refrigerated food at 5°C or below. Better Health Channel — Food safety and storage.
Choose packaged ingredients to match your dietary needs; this kitchen recipe has not been tested or certified for an allergy or coeliac diet.
For other breakfast ideas, see apple and seed porridge and our four breakfast recipes. If you are considering food changes for a child’s skin, read children’s eczema and food and our eczema guide.
The clinic’s initial naturopathy consultation includes dietary and lifestyle review. Bring your questions and any existing care plan. Melbourne Wellness — Services.
Discuss suitability at a consultation.
Sources
Read 15 October 2026. Clinical sources support the adjacent general information; clinic links verify the advertised appointment menu.
- Better Health Channel — Food safety and storage — Victorian public-health guidance; accessed 2026-10-15.
- Melbourne Wellness — Services — current clinic facts; accessed 2026-10-15.
