Hearty and nutty quinoa breakfast bowl recipe
When it comes to the foods that I eat and prepare at home, there are several common themes. Easy. Simple. Minimal ingredients. Nutrient dense.
That being said, today I’m sharing with you what I’ve been having for breakfast a lot lately, and it’s not your typical breakfast food. Quinoa, my friends, quinoa.
I shared a picture of a recent quinoa bowl I was enjoying on Instagram and got a lot of questions, so here’s the low-down on how I made it, with some fun facts thrown in …
Why quinoa?
While some of you may struggle with pronouncing this word (which I did until recently too — just say “keen-wah”!), it’s not a scary thing. It’s like a nutty-flavored, small kernel of rice. But it’s not rice. It’s better. Even though most people think quinoa is a whole grain, it’s actually a seed, which is why it’s totally gluten free.
Quinoa packs a healthy helping of iron and fiber and is also a complete protein, which means it has all the nine essential amino acids our bodies need and cannot produce on their own. That’s a pretty good list of accolades for a well-priced plant product and complex carbohydrate, wouldn’t you say?
Why quinoa for breakfast?
I’m a creature of habit and for a long time was on an overnight oats kick, because that concoction includes all of the protein, carbs and healthy fats I need to round out my first meal of the day. And I can make it ahead of time and pull it out of the fridge in the morning to enjoy it without much additional work.
However, it’s always good to change things up, and as I was looking for something different to make, I realized it didn’t have to fall under the “breakfast” heading to be consumed at that time. Enter, quinoa. Much like overnight oats, this quinoa recipe can be prepared in advance and enjoyed cold or hot. It definitely keeps me full for a few hours.
And did I mention it’s super easy to make?
Minimal ingredients, maximal enjoyment
You only need a few things to get started …
I chose to go with organic quinoa, but of course, any type of white quinoa will do. And the chia seeds are optional, yet I added them for some additional healthy fat and omega 3s.
I’ve been having this bowl of deliciousness topped with either chopped-up almonds or an extra dollop of almond butter and a sliced-up banana, and it’s been a great way to start the day. So tasty!
Hearty and nutty quinoa breakfast bowl
Hearty and nutty quinoa breakfast bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup of uncooked quinoa
- 2 cups of milk I used almond
- Cinnamon to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons of nut butter I used almond
- OPTIONAL 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
- Any and all toppings of your choice
Instructions
- Rinse one cup of uncooked quinoa in a finely meshed strainer with tap water.
- Combine the quinoa, milk and cinnamon in a sauce pan, uncovered on medium heat, and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, stir the concoction and cover it.
- (Add the optional chia seeds and stir again.)
- Cook for 15 minutes covered at a simmer.
- Remove the cover, stir and fluff the concoction, and let it sit for 5 minutes still on a simmer.
- Add the nut butter and swirl it around evenly.
- Serve one portion into a bowl and store the rest in the fridge.
- Add your additional favorite toppings and enjoy.
Notes
This quinoa dish serves as a base for so many different options too. Once you make this, you can section out a serving each day and dress it up in various ways. Consider the following …
- Adding local honey and chopped-up peanuts
- Adding coconut flakes and berries
- Adding your favorite protein powder
- Using the quinoa as a base for a parfait with Greek yogurt and mixed fruit
Talk about versatile and nutritious. Why don’t you join me on the keen-wah bandwagon soon?
That’s it for today, friends! After launching the new BODYATTACK last night, I’m now preparing to launch the new BODYPUMP tonight. Choreography overload going on over here! See you back on the blog tomorrow for some more talk about food. Have a lovely day!
Questions of the day
What did you have for breakfast today?
Any fun things planned for the month of April?
What is your favorite breakfast topping?
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I used to not like quinoa at all. And then one day it finally made sense to me–I think I was cooking it wrong before that! Have you ever tried quinoa flakes? I did and thought they were awful!
Hi Susie! No, I haven’t tried quinoa flakes. Not good?? Hmmm … now you’ve got me interested!
This looks like a breakfast I would love! Fresh berries, nuts and coconut milk yogurt on top please.
That sounds like a great way to enjoy it, Jill. Thanks! Have a lovely Tuesday! 🙂
I am loving oats right now – especially with PB! I am going to try this next – pinned away 🙂
Yay!! Let me know if you try it, Sara! 🙂
I’ll definitely be trying this! I’m also an overnight oats type of girl, so I’ll have to give this a go next time. Thanks for the idea! 🙂
You are very welcome, Gretchen! Have a great day! 🙂
Thanks for posting this recipe Ashley! I’m looking forward to trying this concoction soon!
Please let me know what you think of it, Courtney. Have a lovely day! 🙂
I love quinoa, and I never think of having it for breakfast. This looks like a delicious and filling way to start the day. Love the recipe! 🙂
Thanks, Heather! I love the nutty flavor of quinoa. Nice to switch things up! Have a great day!
This looks awesome. I used to eat a breakfast quinoa all the time, and I forgot how easy and yummy it is. Thanks for the reminder!
You are very welcome, Carissa. Happy Tuesday! 🙂
I’m a huge fan of make ahead breakfasts – helps me pop out of bed quicker knowing that I have a yummy breakfast waiting for me. I have all of the ingredients so I’m totally going to try out the recipe 🙂
I know, Catherine! I love to know there’s something waiting for me in the morning too! Have a great day, and let me know if you try this one! 🙂
I’ve made veggie burgers with quinoa (which I LOVE), but I’ve never had it as a breakfast bowl – looks really tasty! I’ll have to give it a try…first I need to find some reasonably priced quinoa!
Hi Janelle! Quinoa is great for breakfast! Hope you give this one a try. Have a lovely Tuesday! 🙂
I just got on a quinoa kick! I can’t wait to try this out, it sounds perfect for my long run on Saturday!
Hi Hilary! This would be great fuel before a long run! Let me know if you try it! 🙂
I’m the worst at eating things I don’t consider breakfast foods, for breakfast (aka quinoa). You may have changed my mind with this recipe! A smoothie is my usual go to (and what I had this morning).
Hi Pragati! I know, I used to be that way too! This is one thing I’ve started to get into though! Let me know if you try it! 🙂
I love this type of recipe for a breakfast quinoa, but with chopped apple cooked in – goes great with the cinnamon and PB!
Hi Alyssa! Apples and cinnamon definitely go together well. Let me know if you try this one! Happy Tuesday! 🙂
This looks delish! I haven’t thought to try quinoa for breaky! I am loving it with chopped veggies for lunch. I am so attached to oatmeal, I might try mixing it with oatmeal – that would probably be delicious! Thanks for the idea 🙂
Hi Jill! Baby steps away from the oatmeal heheh! I know! Try half-oats-half-quinoa? It’s good and just as versatile as oats! Happy Tuesday! 🙂
I love overnight oats- can’t handle hot oatmeal (the texture is all wrong!). I love having a hot breakfast, so I will have to try this one out!
Haha Rachel! Let me know if you try it! Have a great day! 🙂
Quinoa for breakfast is the way to go! But you need to get yourself some quinoa flakes! Those are the best (and quickest!)
Hi Rebecca, And what do you do with the quinoa flakes? I’m intrigued… 🙂
I never thought of cooking quinoa in milk for breakfast – what an awesome idea!!
I know, Ange! Eye-opening, isn’t it? 🙂 heehe Happy Tuesday!
Good idea on the quinoa! I’ve seen this around the blog world here and there … I gotta try it in my place of my usual oatmeal one of these days. Favorite breakfast topping has to be nut butter – peanut butter in particular. 😉
Well, I’d agree with that topping choice, Ash. I can never get enough nut butter. 🙂
Yum! I love quinoa but have only had it a handful of times for breakfast! Must get back into it, and I love this recipe. Xx
Thanks, Krissy! It’s good stuff. Hope all is well! 🙂
I had a green smoothie this morning and it was heavenly. Nut butter is obviously my favorite breakfast topping. I have always wanted to make quinoa for breakfast. Thanks for the recipe!
You can’t go wrong with nut butter … like ever … 🙂 hahha! Have a lovely Monday!!
I’m a big quinoa fan for breakfast bakes, but I’ve never tried it solo like this. You also really can’t go wrong with ANY nut butter; looks delicious!
Thanks, Chelsea! I agree! Totally yummy! 🙂