Quinoa Breakfast Cereal

Quinoa often falls into the “super-food” category, so I knew its attributes would make it perfect for breakfast. I followed the cooking instructions on the bag but cooked the quinoa in coconut milk instead of water. After that, I sweetened it with honey and stirred in vanilla, cinnamon, and cranberries, just as I would when making oatmeal. It turned out so good! Cooking it in coconut milk is a must!

Interesting Facts about Quinoa

-Quinoa is grown at a high elevation of 10,000-20,000 feet above sea level and can withstand climates that receive less than 8 inches of rain annually. Most quinoa is organic (I have yet to find Quinoa that isn’t organic.)

-Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all eight essential amino acids. Because it is high in protein, it is a great source of non-animal protein for vegetarians.

-Quinoa is low on the glycemic index and is a complex carbohydrate, so sugars are digested slowly, giving you energy throughout the day (making it a great first meal of the day).

-Quinoa is a seed, not a grain or a grass, and is related to the chard, spinach and beet family.

-Quinoa is gluten-free.

-Unlike fortified breakfast cereals, which contain synthetic vitamins and minerals, quinoa is naturally high in vitamins and minerals, so there is no need to fortify this hot, quinoa breakfast cereal.

Quinoa Breakfast Cereal Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Coconut Milk or Almond Milk (I prefer coconut milk for this recipe)

• 1 Cup Quinoa

• 2 tbsp Honey

• 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

• 1/3 Cup Dried Cranberries (raisins or currants are good substitutes)

• 1 Cup Fresh Berries (optional)

• 1/4 tsp Cinnamon (plus more for serving)

• Pinch of Nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• Rinse the quinoa in cold water.

Instructions

1. In a pot, combine milk, quinoa and a pinch of salt and bring to a boil.

2. Once it has reached boiling point, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 min.

3. Remove from heat, keeping covered for 5 min.

4. Next, stir in honey, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and cranberries

5. Serve hot with extra milk, honey, cinnamon and fresh berries.