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My Favorite Breakfast Quinoa

10/25/2016

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Fall is officially here and as a chef that means a new variety of seasonal foods is on the menu. Squashes, root vegetables, soups and stews, hearty grains and spices are exactly what the crisp air is bringing to my table. I love starting my day with something warm and filling, but I have to admit I quickly bore of the same old oatmeal after just a few days. My new go-to breakfast is quinoa and it is such a great base for a variety of flavor combinations. It is naturally gluten free, a complete plant-based protein which provides all 9 of the essential amino acids that our body requires, as well as being a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. I typically cook a few cups worth (using just water and salt) at the beginning of the week so that I have it ready on hand. In addition to making a great breakfast, you can also mix it in with salads, add it to burritos and wraps, spoon it into soups and chili, use it as a binder in meatballs or meatloaf, crisp it up in a pan and add it as a crunchy topping to any savory side dish, or even use it as an alternative to fried rice. It is a fantastically versatile and nutritious addition to any meal.

Here is my favorite breakfast quinoa recipe. Think deconstructed banana bread, breakfast bowl style :)

1c cooked quinoa
¾ c milk of choice (I used a scant ¾c of organic whole milk)
¼t cinnamon
½ ripe banana slices
Extras like chopped walnuts, oat floured date pieces, sprinkle of chia seeds

  • Add all ingredients to a small sauce pan and bring up to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often and cook until thickened (about 3-5 minutes once simmering)
  • Taste for sweetness and add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey if desired
  • Pour into a bowl and top with chopped walnuts, date pieces and extra banana slices
  • Enjoy!

These are some other great add-in options:

Toasted nuts
Apples
Fresh berries
Scoop of nut butter
Shredded coconut
Granola
Chia seeds
Ground flaxseed
Goji berries
Pumpkin pie spice
Cocoa powder

Do you have any combos that you love? Please share!

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