Start your day off right with a delightful bowl of Cinnamon and Blackberry Breakfast Quinoa! This deliciously wholesome recipe is not only packed with nutrients but also bursts with flavor, making it the perfect breakfast choice for busy mornings. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that will keep you energized and full until lunchtime. Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon mingling with the sweet and tart blackberries—it's a breakfast experience you won't want to miss! Ready to elevate your morning routine? Dive into this scrumptious recipe that promises to become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup blackberries
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps to remove any bitterness from the quinoa's natural coating called saponin.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed all the water.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the blackberries. Rinse them gently under cold water and set aside to drain.
- After the quinoa has finished cooking, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. This allows the quinoa to steam and become fluffier.
- After 5 minutes, uncover the saucepan and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of honey to the quinoa, stirring well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of almond milk to the quinoa mixture, and stir until everything is evenly mixed. Adjust the almond milk to your desired creaminess.
- Gently fold in the blackberries, being careful not to crush them too much.
- If desired, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped nuts over the quinoa for added crunch and texture.
- Serve the cinnamon and blackberry breakfast quinoa warm, drizzled with additional honey if desired, and enjoy your nutritious breakfast!
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa Thoroughly: Always rinse your quinoa under cold water to remove its natural coating, saponin, which can impart a bitter taste. This step is crucial for achieving a deliciously nutty flavor.
- Cooking Time Matters: Keep an eye on the quinoa while it simmers. Cooking it just right will ensure it’s fluffy and tender. If you overcook it, it can become mushy.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
- Add Extra Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier texture, feel free to add more almond milk than the recipe suggests. This will make your quinoa even more indulgent!
- Mix Up the Toppings: While chopped nuts add a great crunch, consider adding other toppings like seeds, shredded coconut, or even a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess and flavor.
- Make It Ahead: This breakfast quinoa can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat and enjoy a quick, nutritious breakfast on busy mornings!
- Experiment with Fruits: While blackberries are delicious, try swapping them out for other berries like blueberries or strawberries, or even diced apples for a seasonal twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
