Nourishing Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Start your day with a delicious and nutritious bowl of quinoa breakfast cereal! Quinoa, an ancient grain revered by the Incas, is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. This cooked cereal offers a wholesome alternative to traditional oatmeal, making it a perfect gluten-free choice for health-conscious individuals. Infused with the earthy flavor of flax seed meal, packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and complemented by the natural sweetness of dried apricots and the crunch of sunflower seeds, this breakfast bowl not only nourishes your body but also delights your taste buds. Prepare a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week by simply reheating it in the microwave – it's quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa
1 cup (rinsed)
water
2 1/2 cups (boiling)
flax seed meal
1/4 cup (measured)
dried apricot
1/3 cup (diced)
sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons (measured)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized pot, bring 2 1/2 cups of water to a rolling boil.
2
While the water heats, prepare your ingredients by dicing the dried apricots and measuring out the flax seed meal and sunflower seeds.
3
Once the water is boiling, add the quinoa, flax seed meal, diced apricots, and sunflower seeds to the pot. Stir the mixture well to combine.
4
Return the pot to a boil, then cover it with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 12 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed. Stir the mixture once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking.
5
Remove the pot from heat and fluff the quinoa mixture gently with a fork as you would with rice. Cover the pot and allow it to stand for an additional 10 minutes to finish steaming.
6
When ready to serve, spoon the quinoa cereal into bowls and top with your choice of milk or non-dairy alternatives, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Drizzle with honey if desired for added sweetness. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Nourishing Quinoa Breakfast Bowl?
It is a nutritious alternative to traditional oatmeal made from cooked quinoa, flax seed meal, dried apricots, and sunflower seeds.
Is this quinoa breakfast bowl gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is a naturally gluten-free ancient grain, making this recipe a perfect choice for those avoiding gluten.
How long does it take to cook the quinoa for this recipe?
The quinoa needs to simmer for about 12 minutes followed by a 10-minute standing period to finish steaming.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare a large batch on the weekend and store it to be reheated in the microwave throughout the week.
What are the primary ingredients in this breakfast bowl?
The main ingredients are rinsed quinoa, water, flax seed meal, diced dried apricots, and sunflower seeds.
What is the benefit of adding flax seed meal?
Flax seed meal provides an earthy flavor and is packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
How much water is needed to cook one cup of quinoa in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of water for every 1 cup of quinoa.
Is quinoa a good source of protein for breakfast?
Yes, quinoa is packed with protein, making it a very satisfying and nourishing start to the day.
What kind of milk should I serve with this quinoa cereal?
You can use any milk or non-dairy alternative such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
Can I add sweetener to the quinoa bowl?
Yes, dizzling the bowl with honey is recommended for added natural sweetness.
Do I need to rinse the quinoa before cooking?
Yes, the recipe specifies using rinsed quinoa to ensure the best flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the quinoa from sticking to the pot?
You should stir the mixture once or twice during the simmering process to prevent it from sticking.
What is the final step after the water is absorbed?
Remove the pot from the heat, fluff the quinoa with a fork, and let it stand covered for 10 minutes.
Can I use other dried fruits besides apricots?
While the recipe calls for dried apricots, you can certainly substitute them with other dried fruits like raisins or cranberries.
Is this recipe considered dairy-free?
The base recipe is dairy-free; just ensure you use a non-dairy milk alternative for serving.
What texture does the sunflower seeds add?
Sunflower seeds provide a pleasant crunch that complements the soft texture of the cooked quinoa.
How should I reheat the leftovers?
Leftovers can be easily reheated in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal.
What makes quinoa an 'ancient grain'?
Quinoa is referred to as an ancient grain because it was revered and cultivated by the Incas for thousands of years.
Can I use whole flax seeds instead of meal?
The recipe specifies flax seed meal, which integrates better into the cereal texture, but whole seeds can be used for more crunch.
What heat level should I use to simmer the quinoa?
After bringing the water to a boil, you should reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
Is this recipe high in fiber?
Yes, both quinoa and flax seed meal contribute significant amounts of dietary fiber to this dish.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A medium-sized pot is recommended for cooking the 1-cup quinoa batch.
How do I prepare the dried apricots?
The dried apricots should be diced into small pieces before being added to the boiling water.
Should the water be boiling before adding ingredients?
Yes, you should bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the quinoa and other ingredients.
Can I serve this cold?
While it is intended to be enjoyed warm like a traditional cereal, it can also be eaten chilled if preferred.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, as long as you use a plant-based milk and substitute honey with a vegan sweetener like maple syrup.
How many sunflower seeds are used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of measured sunflower seeds.
How much flax seed meal is included?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of flax seed meal.
Can I add fresh fruit as a topping?
Yes, topping with fresh berries or sliced bananas would be a delicious addition to the bowl.
Why is the 10-minute standing time important?
The standing time allows the quinoa to finish steaming, resulting in a fluffier and better-cooked texture.