Is it good to eat quinoa for breakfast?

Name: Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa (drained and rinsed); 2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk (+ more for serving); 1/4 cup cacao powder; 2 tablespoons maple syrup (+ more for serving); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract ((optional)); Salt; Cherries or other fruit; Slivered almonds or other nuts; Coconut chips or flakes; Cacao nibs or chocolate chips

Quinoa is a great way to start your day. It is packed with protein and fiber, keeping you full for hours.

Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Published: Jun 20, 2018 · Modified: Dec 30, 2022 by Willow Moon · This post may contain affiliate links. · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

What Is Quinoa?

Pronounced (KEEN-wah)

Quinoa is a pseudo-cereal in the amaranth family, meaning it is eaten as a grain even though technically it's a seed.

It's gluten-free, making it a great substitute for recipes like tabbouleh which normally has bulgar in it. It also can be used in place of couscous in many recipes.

🧾 Ingredients

Quinoa: Quinoa can be found in the bulk section of the grocery store and in packages on the shelves.

Almond milk: I used unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but you could use soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or your favorite non-dairy milk.

Cacao powder: Adds the chocolate flavor. You could also use cocoa powder.

Maple syrup: Adds sweetness. You could also use agave syrup, dates, or your favorite sweetener.

Vanilla extract: Enhances flavors.

Almond extract: Adds a strong fruity flavor. You can leave it out.

Salt: Enhances flavors.

To see the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, see the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

📖 Variations / Additions

Add or switch out any of these to change up the flavors and textures:

Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or other berries

Mango, peaches, or other fruit

Granola

Hemp seeds, flax seeds, or pumpkin seeds

Walnuts, pecans, roasted cashews

Dried fruit

Spices like ginger, cinnamon, or nutmeg

Peanut butter, almond butter, or other nut butter

Vegan yogurt

Drizzle of chocolate sauce

Vegan mini marshmallows

Coconut milk in place of almond milk

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Heat a small saucepan on medium heat on the stovetop. Toast quinoa in the pot for a few minutes. This step is optional, but it gives a nice nutty flavor.

Step 2: Add almond milk and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Stir frequently so it doesn't stick. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb liquid.

💭 Tips

If you purchase quinoa from the bulk section of the grocery store, make sure to thoroughly rinse your quinoa. It contains saponin, which gives it a soapy or bitter taste if not rinsed. If you buy packaged quinoa, make sure that it says it was rinsed before packaging.

Toast your quinoa for a more nutty flavor before adding liquid and cooking it.

As always, taste as you go. You may want more or less cacao powder or sweetener.