Sometimes I want something warm for breakfast, but different than my regular oatmeal. This breakfast quinoa bowl is unique and only takes about 15 minutes to prepare. No added sugar because the fruit is all the sweetener needed.

Is quinoa a breakfast food?

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Quinoa is a highly nutritious grain that was a staple in the diet of the ancient Incas. It has a delicious flavor and a light, fluffy texture. It’s also packed with protein!

While it is commonly served as a side or main dish for dinner, it can also be a delicious healthy breakfast bowl.

It cooks on the stovetop, microwave, or steamer just like rice in about 15 minutes.

Nutrition in Quinoa

Quinoa is packed with essential nutrients — and has a high nutritional value, according to a 2009 review in “Advances in Food and Nutrition Research.”

Authors of this review point out that quinoa is a pseudograin that has an impressive protein content of 15 percent, and one of the few plant-based, complete protein foods.

Quinoa is packed with numerous essential vitamins and minerals, while being free from dietary cholesterol and low in sodium.

According to the USDA, vitamins and minerals abundant in quinoa are vitamin E, folate, B vitamins, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, iron and even a small amount of calcium.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells from becoming damaged, and potassium helps offset sodium’s negative effects on blood pressure, notes MedlinePlus.–LiveStrong

If you prefer a creamy warm breakfast, Use an immersion blender to puree for just a few seconds. A regular blender can also be used by simply transferring half the fruited quinoa to the blender, then returning to pan when done.

I used to do this but found over time that I prefer it unblended.

I love to make this with raisins and dried apricots. It can also be made with other delicious options like mango, peaches, and berries. They can be fresh or dried, whichever is your preference.

When we make this recipe in the Food for Life nutrition education and cooking classes, participants are always amazed by how sweet it taste without any added sugar or sweeteners.

This recipe from Physicians Committee, Food for Life classes.

Nutritional information, per 1/2-cup serving

• Calories: 106
• Fat: 1.4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Calories from Fat: 12.3%
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Protein: 2.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 21.4 g
• Sugar: 8.3 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Sodium: 26 mg
• Calcium: 90 mg
• Iron: 1.5 mg
• Vitamin C: 3.1 mg
• Beta Carotene: 302 mcg
• Vitamin E: 0.9 mg

Other Great Breakfast Options

• Oatmeal, Breakfast of Champions
• English Breakfast Muffin
• Vegan Hash Brown Casserole
• Apple Sauce Cinnamon Muffins

Plant-Based Vegan Starter Kits $27

Yield: 6 servings

Breakfast Quinoa Bowl

Print

Wholesome recipe for hot quinoa breakfast cereal. Quinoa is a highly nutritious grain that was a staple in the diet of the ancient Incas. It has a delicious flavor and a light, fluffy texture. To adjust the serving size on any of my recipes, simply enter the desired number of servings in the 'servings' box under the ingredients, and the program will automatically adjust the ingredient amounts.

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup dry quinoa
• 1-1/2 cups vanilla almond milk, or any plant milk
• 2 Tbsp raisins
• 1 cup apricots, fresh, dried, or canned
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Slice apricots into bite-sized chunks.
2. Rinse uncooked quinoa well.
3. In medium saucepan, combine quinoa, plant milk, vanilla. Bring to a slow simmer.
4. Add raisins and apricots, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes.
5. This step is OPTIONAL. If you prefer a creamy warm breakfast, Use an immersion blender to puree for just a few seconds. A regular blender can also be used by simply transferring half the fruited quinoa to the blender, then returning to pan when done. Personally, I prefer to skip this step and just eat completely whole.
6. Spoon into bowl and serve warm.

Notes

 

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• 
  Kirkland Signature Organic Gluten-Free Quinoa

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 106 Total Fat: 1.4g Sodium: 26mg Carbohydrates: 21g Fiber: 2g Protein: 2.4g

To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.