This healthy protein-rich Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is made with almond milk and topped with fruit and nuts.
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If you had told me several years ago that I'd not only be creating quinoa breakfast bowl recipes, but enjoying them as well, I'd have thought that you were crazy.
Years ago I only thought of quinoa as a savory food that should be paired with savory flavors. After making my Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl, I was hooked on pairing quinoa with sweet flavors.
This Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl has cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg along with almond milk and maple syrup. I topped the vegan breakfast bowl with sliced Gala apple, chopped pecans, pomegranate seeds, and coconut chips.
The toppings that I chose went really well with the spiced flavors in the quinoa. This breakfast bowl is not only healthy but hearty as well.
Another recipe to try to try is my Chocolate Smoothie Bowl. A savory breakfast recipe is my Vegan Tofu and Onion Quiche.
Jump to:
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 vegan quinoa tabbouleh which normally has bulgar in it. It also can be used in place of couscous in many recipes.
How Does Quinoa Taste?
Quinoa has a slightly nutty flavor. It is chewy and fluffy. Since it has such a mild flavor, it can go in savory or sweet recipes.
It tastes great in Quinoa Sushi Rolls.
❤️ Why You'll Love It
- It is warm and comforting.
- It is healthy and filling; it's a great way to start your day!
- It is a nice alternative to oatmeal.
🧾 Ingredients
- Quinoa: I like to buy quinoa in the bulk section of the grocery store.
- Almond milk: I like to use unsweetened almond milk so that I can control the amount of sweetener. You could use any dairy-free milk.
- Maple syrup: Adds sweetness. You could also use date paste or agave syrup.
- Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg: Add warming flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances flavors.
- Salt: Enhances sweetness.
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:
- Fruit: strawberries, raspberries, mixed berries, oranges, mango, or pear
- Granola: coconut granola, chocolate granola, or grain-free granola
- Seeds: hemp seeds, flax seeds, or pumpkin seeds
- Nuts: walnuts, almonds, roasted cashews
- Cacao powder or cocoa powder
- Nut butter: peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter
- Vegan yogurt
- Drizzle of chocolate sauce
- Vegan mini marshmallows
- Coconut milk in place of almond milk
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🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Toast quinoa in a pan. This step is optional. It will give your quinoa a nutty flavor.
Step 2: Add almond milk. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Add in maple syrup and spices.
Step 4: Stir to combine.
Step 5: Top with your favorite toppings.
💭 Tips
- If you buy your quinoa in bulk, make sure to thoroughly rinse your quinoa. It contains saponins, which give 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.
- A quinoa bowl is somewhat similar to oatmeal in that some people prefer more liquid added. The difference with a quinoa bowl is that you add the extra liquid after cooking it, like cereal.
- As always, taste as you go. You may want more or less spices or sweetener.
👩🏻🍳 Recipe FAQs
Yes, quinoa tastes great with sweet flavors as I used in this spiced quinoa breakfast bowl.
Yes, fruit pairs nicely with quinoa as I used in this quinoa breakfast bowl.
Other Vegan Breakfast Recipes
Move over oatmeal, there's another breakfast go-to grain in town! This vegan breakfast bowl is a protein-packed breakfast.
If you tried this Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and let me know how you like it in the 💬 comments below. I love hearing from you!
📋 Recipe
Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa thoroughly rinsed
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch or 2 salt
Toppings
- Fruit - I used Gala apple and pomegranate seeds
- Nuts - I used pecans
- Coconut chips or flakes - I used coconut chips
Instructions
- Heat a pan on the stovetop. Add quinoa and toast for a few minutes (optional).
- Add almond milk and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Let sit for 5 minutes until the almond milk is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy and tender.
- Mix in maple syrup and spices.
- Add your favorite toppings. For serving add more almond milk and maple syrup, if desired.
Notes
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Nutrition
*Note: Nutrition information should be considered an estimate only. Different nutrition calculators give you different results.
Ian Moffatt says
Hi! Would this work if the quinoa was left in almond milk overnight, like overnight oats?
Thinking about saving time in the mornings 🙂
Take care!
Willow Moon says
Hi Ian,
I've never made it that way, but according to the internet I guess you can. I think you still have to cook it the same way first though.