Ever feel like your morning routine needs a shake-up? Say goodbye to boring breakfasts and hello to our Quinoa Breakfast Bowl!
This tasty, protein-packed dish is super easy to whip up and will keep you full and energized all morning long.
Plus, it’s totally customizable, so you can make it your own. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this awesome breakfast!
Ingredients and Substitutes
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tbsp sliced almonds
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 1/4 cup mixed berries
Don’t have some of these ingredients? No worries! Here are some easy swaps you can make:
Quinoa: You can use rolled oats or steel-cut oats instead. They’re both great alternatives that’ll give you a similar texture and nutrition boost.
Almond milk: Any milk will do! Try cow’s milk, soy milk, or even coconut milk for a tropical twist.
Sliced almonds: Feel free to use any nuts you like. Walnuts, pecans, or cashews would all be yummy.
Cinnamon: If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, try nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor kick.
Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar work great if you want to keep things vegan. Or skip the sweetener altogether if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Mixed berries: Any fruit will do! Try sliced bananas, diced apples, or even some canned peaches if fresh fruit isn’t available.
How to Make Your Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
First things first, let’s get that quinoa cooked! Here’s how:
- Rinse 1/4 cup of dry quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer. This gets rid of any bitter taste.
- In a small pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with 1/2 cup of water.
- Bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Once it’s boiling, turn the heat down to low and cover the pot.
- Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff it up with a fork, and you’re good to go!
Step 2: Assemble Your Bowl
Now that your quinoa is ready, it’s time to put everything together:
- Scoop your 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa into a bowl.
- Pour 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk over the quinoa.
- Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon over the top.
- If you’re using honey, drizzle 1 teaspoon over everything.
- Add your 1/4 cup of mixed berries on top.
- Finish it off by sprinkling 1 tablespoon of sliced almonds over everything.
Step 3: Mix and Enjoy!
Give everything a good stir to mix all the flavors together. The warm quinoa will slightly heat up the milk, creating a comforting, porridge-like consistency.
If you like your breakfast bowl a bit warmer, you can pop it in the microwave for 30 seconds to a minute.
Nutrient Value
| Nutrient | Amount (each serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 6g |
How to Store and Freeze
This Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how you can store it for later:
Refrigerator Storage:
- Cook a big batch of quinoa at the beginning of the week.
- Store the cooked quinoa in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 5 days.
- Each morning, scoop out your 1/2 cup of quinoa and add the rest of the ingredients fresh.
Freezer Storage:
- Cook your quinoa and let it cool completely.
- Portion out 1/2 cup servings into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Label each container with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When you’re ready to eat, thaw the quinoa overnight in the fridge, then add your toppings in the morning.
Pro tip: Don’t freeze the bowl with milk and toppings already added. The texture won’t be as good when you thaw it. It’s best to add those fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Benefits of This Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
1. High in Protein
Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs.
This makes it an awesome choice for vegetarians and vegans. The almonds in this recipe also add a protein boost, helping to keep you full and satisfied all morning long.
2. Packed with Fiber
With 6 grams of fiber per serving, this breakfast bowl will help keep your digestive system happy and healthy.
Fiber also helps you feel full for longer, which can help with weight management.
3. Gluten-Free
If you’re avoiding gluten, quinoa is your new best friend. It’s naturally gluten-free, making this breakfast bowl a great option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
4. Loaded with Nutrients
Quinoa is a nutrient powerhouse. It’s high in vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins.
The berries add a dose of antioxidants, while the almonds provide healthy fats and vitamin E.
5. Energy-Boosting
The complex carbohydrates in quinoa provide slow-release energy, helping to keep your blood sugar stable throughout the morning. This means no mid-morning crash!
6. Heart-Healthy
The combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats in this breakfast bowl is great for your heart health. The almonds, in particular, are known for their heart-healthy benefits.
7. Versatile and Customizable
One of the best things about this breakfast bowl is how easy it is to switch things up. You can change the milk, fruits, nuts, and spices to create a different flavor profile every day of the week!
So there you have it, folks! A super nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-make Quinoa Breakfast Bowl that’ll kickstart your day in the best way possible.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a fitness enthusiast, or just someone looking for a healthy breakfast option, this recipe has got you covered.
Give it a try tomorrow morning and see how it energizes your day!
Remember, eating a healthy breakfast like this one isn’t just about the nutrients – it’s about starting your day on the right foot.
When you take the time to nourish your body first thing in the morning, you’re setting yourself up for success.
So go ahead, whip up this Quinoa Breakfast Bowl, and conquer your day like the champion you are!
