Maple Wild Blueberry Quinoa Bowl with Cinnamon Pecans
Start your day with a nourishing and flavorful Maple Wild Blueberry Quinoa Bowl. This wholesome breakfast combines protein-packed quinoa with the vibrant sweetness of wild blueberries, celebrated for their rich flavor and nutritional benefits. Topped with crunchy toasted pecans and drizzled with pure maple syrup, this dish offers a perfect balance of health and indulgence. Whether you’re fueling up for a busy day or enjoying a leisurely weekend brunch, this breakfast bowl is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full and energized. For optimal flavor, we recommend waiting until after cooking to add the blueberries to preserve their natural sweetness.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1/2 cup (rinsed and drained)
low-fat milk
1/2 cup
water
1/2 cup
maple flavoring
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon (increase to 1/2 teaspoon if not using maple flavoring)
wild blueberries
1 cup (frozen or fresh)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
coarsely chopped pecans
1/4 cup (toasted)
pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons (or more to taste)
Instructions
1
Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer under running water. Drain well to remove any debris.
2
In a dry saucepan over medium heat, add the rinsed quinoa. Toast the quinoa for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and starts to pop.
3
Once toasted, add the low-fat milk, water, vanilla extract, and maple flavoring (if using) to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 3-5 minutes.
5
After the quinoa has rested, fluff it with a fork and stir in the cinnamon, wild blueberries, and toasted pecans until well combined.
6
Serve the quinoa mixture in bowls and drizzle each serving with a tablespoon of pure maple syrup. Adjust the sweetness to your preference and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maple Wild Blueberry Quinoa Bowl?
It is a wholesome breakfast bowl combining protein-packed quinoa, wild blueberries, toasted pecans, and maple syrup.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
Why should I rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Rinsing quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer helps remove any debris and its natural bitter coating.
What is the benefit of toasting the quinoa?
Toasting the quinoa for 10-15 minutes adds a nutty flavor and helps it achieve a golden brown color.
What liquids are used to cook the quinoa?
The quinoa is cooked using a combination of 1/2 cup low-fat milk and 1/2 cup water.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by substituting the low-fat milk with a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk.
When should I add the wild blueberries?
For optimal flavor and sweetness, add the blueberries after the quinoa has finished cooking and resting.
Can I use frozen blueberries for this recipe?
Yes, both fresh and frozen wild blueberries work well in this breakfast bowl.
What should I do if I do not have maple flavoring?
If maple flavoring is unavailable, increase the vanilla extract to 1/2 teaspoon.
How long does the quinoa need to simmer?
The quinoa should simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed.
Does the quinoa need to rest after cooking?
Yes, let the saucepan sit covered for 3-5 minutes after removing it from the heat for the best texture.
How do I incorporate the pecans and cinnamon?
Stir the toasted pecans, cinnamon, and blueberries into the fluffed quinoa after the resting period.
How much maple syrup is added to each serving?
Each serving is drizzled with approximately one tablespoon of pure maple syrup, though you can adjust to taste.
What are the nutritional highlights of this dish?
This dish is protein-packed, contains whole grains, and features antioxidant-rich wild blueberries.
Is this recipe considered gluten-free?
Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for those on a gluten-free diet if all other ingredients are certified.
What heat setting is used for toasting quinoa?
Quinoa should be toasted in a dry saucepan over medium heat.
How do I know when the quinoa is toasted?
It is ready when it turns golden brown and starts to pop, which usually takes 10-15 minutes.
Can I use different types of nuts?
While pecans are recommended for their flavor, you can substitute other toasted nuts if preferred.
What type of milk is suggested?
The recipe calls for low-fat milk, but various milk types can be used.
How do you fluff the quinoa?
Use a fork to gently fluff the quinoa after it has rested to separate the grains.
Is this a good recipe for a weekend brunch?
Yes, its balance of health and indulgence makes it perfect for both busy mornings and leisurely brunches.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including optional items like maple flavoring.
Should the pecans be chopped?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of coarsely chopped toasted pecans.
What kind of maple syrup should be used?
Pure maple syrup is recommended for the best flavor and quality.
Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Absolutely, you can adjust the amount of maple syrup added at the end to suit your preference.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and drain it well.
Does the recipe use vanilla extract?
Yes, it uses 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract, or 1/2 teaspoon if maple flavoring is omitted.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to be stirred in at the end.
Is the quinoa cooked covered or uncovered?
The quinoa is simmered and rested while covered to ensure even cooking and absorption.
Are wild blueberries different from regular blueberries?
Wild blueberries are often smaller and more flavorful, providing a vibrant sweetness to this quinoa bowl.