Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Name: Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa (thoroughly rinsed ); 2 cups unsweetened almond milk; 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; Pinch or 2 salt; Fruit (- I used Gala apple and pomegranate seeds); Nuts (- I used pecans); Coconut chips or flakes (- I used coconut chips)

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This healthy protein-rich Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is made with almond milk and topped with fruit and nuts.

Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl in bowl with spoon.

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.

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What Is Quinoa?
How Does Quinoa Taste?
❤️ Why You'll Love It
🧾 Ingredients
📖 Variations / Additions
🔪 Instructions
💭 Tips
👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs
Other Vegan Breakfast Recipes
📋 Recipe
Want to save this recipe?
💬 Comments

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.

This is an overview of the ingredients. 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.

Quinoa with maple syrup and spices in a pan.

Step 3: Add in maple syrup and spices.

Quinoa and the rest of ingredients in a pan after mixing.

Step 4: Stir to combine.

Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl in a bowl with spoon.

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.