Banana Maple Breakfast Quinoa
Meet my new best friend, quinoa. As someone who is trying to limit their carb and sugar intake, quinoa and I have become close friends. If you have never had quinoa before, it is basically a grain that is similar to rice. However, quinoa is different from rice in that it is a complete protein and is very high in fiber and it releases sugar into the blood more slowly than rice.
I’ve been using quinoa as a rice substitute with my dinners, but I recently heard about cooking quinoa for breakfast and I was very intrigued. I decided to give it a shot and I was very happy with the results! The quinoa was sweet and filling just like oatmeal. I loved the mashed banana that I mixed in with it along with some sugar-free maple syrup, and then I topped it off with some fresh blueberries! If you are short on time in the morning, cook the quinoa the night before and just re-heat it in the microwave in the morning! So easy!
Banana Maple Breakfast Quinoa
Serves 4
Ingredients:
– 1 c. uncooked quinoa
– 1 c. water
– 1 c. skim milk
– 1 banana, mashed
– sugar-free maple syrup
– Optional: 1 tbs. ground flaxseed meal, blueberries, strawberries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.Directions:
1. In a medium sauce pan, bring milk and water to a boil, add quinoa. Cook for approximately 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed (add a little more liquid and cook longer if needed).
1. Stir in mashed banana. Add maple syrup (however much you prefer), and top with fresh fruit!
10 Comments on “Banana Maple Breakfast Quinoa”
I think you’ve just convinced me that I need to get some quinoa. I’ve been wanting to try it for ages! *sigh* I think I’m going to have to journey to a whole foods – our grocery stores, which are wonderful, just don’t carry them!
You totally need to get some, Ann!
I love quinoa and I love the fact that you used it for breakfast. I haven’t had it for breakfast but I will certainly try. I do like a good breakfast polenta so I would imagine this would be awesome. :)
I totally recommend it for breakfast! :)
I use quinoa a lot for a dinner side dish. Never for breakfast. I am a big fan of steel cut oats. I think I might just have to switch things up a bit. This looks great!
Go for it, Emily! I also love steel cut oats, but this quinoa is a great change!
I’m a big quinoa fan, but I’d never thought of making a hot cereal with it. Thanks for the inspiration!
Definitely give it a shot! It’s so yummy, and best of all, healthy! :)
I just tried this recipe and I must say it is VERY tasty. It tastes WAY better than oatmeal. I like that there’s a small crunch from the quinoa.
I added some cinnamon in the last 5 mins of cooking. Then added a small-medium squirt of syrup, topped with blueberries.
The only thing I would do is add some more liquid. Once in the bowl for a few minutes the liquid was gone.
I will be recommending this recipe for sure.
Thank you :)
I’m so glad to hear that, Katie!