Maple Walnut Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Wake up to a delightful bowl of Maple Walnut Quinoa Breakfast Bowl, a nutritious and satisfying way to start your day! This wholesome dish features protein-packed quinoa, rich and crunchy walnuts, and a touch of natural sweetness from pure maple syrup. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from the walnuts and the added fiber from oat bran, this breakfast option is not only delicious but also incredibly beneficial for your health. Whether you're looking for a warm and cozy breakfast or a quick meal on the go, this recipe is sure to fuel your morning with its balanced blend of textures and flavors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Walnuts, chopped
2 tablespoons (Chop and toast)
Quinoa
1/3 cup (Rinse well)
Water
2/3 cup (None)
Oat bran
1 tablespoon (None)
Maple syrup
2 tablespoons (None)
Vanilla yogurt or cream
To taste (Optional topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water. This step helps to remove the bitter saponin coating. Drain well and set aside.
2
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add the chopped walnuts. Toast them, stirring frequently, until they're golden and aromatic, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before chopping them into smaller pieces if desired. Set aside.
3
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, water, and oat bran. Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 12 minutes, keeping it covered.
5
After 12 minutes, turn off the heat while leaving the saucepan covered for an additional 6 minutes. This steaming process allows the quinoa to become fluffy.
6
Once done, uncover and fluff the quinoa with a fork, then stir in the toasted walnuts and maple syrup until well combined.
7
Serve the cereal warm in a bowl, adding a dollop of vanilla yogurt or a splash of cream on top, if desired, for an extra creamy finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Maple Walnut Quinoa Breakfast Bowl?
It is a nutritious, protein-packed breakfast dish featuring quinoa, toasted walnuts, oat bran, and natural maple syrup.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 ingredients: walnuts, quinoa, water, oat bran, maple syrup, and an optional topping like vanilla yogurt or cream.
Is the Maple Walnut Quinoa Breakfast Bowl gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free; however, ensure your oat bran is certified gluten-free if you have a strict sensitivity.
Why do I need to rinse the quinoa?
Rinsing quinoa under cold water removes the bitter saponin coating that can negatively affect the flavor of the dish.
How do I toast the walnuts?
Toast chopped walnuts in a small saucepan over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and aromatic.
What is the cooking time for the quinoa?
The quinoa should simmer for 12 minutes and then sit covered off the heat for an additional 6 minutes.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, the base recipe is vegan. Simply use a plant-based yogurt or dairy-free cream as your optional topping.
What is the purpose of the oat bran?
Oat bran adds extra fiber and contributes to a heartier, more satisfying texture in the breakfast bowl.
How do I make the quinoa fluffy?
Allowing the quinoa to steam for 6 minutes after cooking and then fluffing it with a fork ensures a light and fluffy texture.
Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?
Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with honey, agave nectar, or a sugar-free alternative if preferred.
What are the health benefits of walnuts in this recipe?
Walnuts provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, you can cook the quinoa in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a quick meal on the go.
What is the liquid to quinoa ratio for this dish?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of water for every 1/3 cup of quinoa.
Can I add fresh fruit to this breakfast bowl?
Absolutely, adding fresh berries or sliced bananas can provide extra flavor and vitamins.
What type of quinoa should I use?
You can use white, red, or tri-color quinoa depending on your preference for texture and color.
Can I use milk instead of water to cook the quinoa?
Yes, using milk or a plant-based alternative like almond milk will result in a creamier, richer breakfast cereal.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, the combination of quinoa and oat bran makes this a fiber-rich meal that supports digestive health.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to serve more people while keeping the cooking method the same.
How should I serve this dish?
Serve the cereal warm in a bowl, topped with maple syrup, toasted walnuts, and a dollop of yogurt or cream if desired.
What does saponin mean in quinoa?
Saponin is a naturally occurring chemical that coats quinoa seeds, producing a soapy or bitter taste if not rinsed off.
Can I eat this breakfast bowl cold?
Yes, it can be enjoyed chilled, similar to an overnight oat bowl or a cold grain salad.
What is a rolling boil?
A rolling boil is when a liquid is boiling rapidly and the bubbles do not stop when the liquid is stirred.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.
Is quinoa a complete protein?
Yes, quinoa is a rare plant-based source of complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.
Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds would also work well in this recipe if you prefer their flavor profile.
When do I add the maple syrup?
Stir in the maple syrup at the very end, after the quinoa has been fluffed and the walnuts have been added.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, with a total cooking and steaming time of about 20 minutes, it is considered a relatively quick and easy meal.
What is the texture of this breakfast bowl?
It offers a balanced blend of fluffy quinoa, creamy oat bran, and crunchy toasted walnuts.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of oat bran?
No, steel-cut oats require a much longer cooking time. If you substitute, stick to oat bran or flax meal for similar cooking times.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the sweetness of the maple syrup and the familiar texture of a warm cereal make it appealing to children.