Loaded Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

By 1For_Him

Quinoa contains a natural substance called saponin, which has a bitter taste. Most (but not all) packaged quinoa has been rinsed to remove this coating. If your quinoa has not been pre-rinsed, simply rinse it under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup water, divided
• 1/4 cup tri-colored quinoa, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons dried goji berries or dried cranberries
• 1 small banana
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen unsweetened blueberries
• 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon slivered almonds
• 1 tablespoon fresh pumpkin seeds
• Additional unsweetened almond milk and maple syrup, optional

Details

Adapted from tasteofhome.com

Preparation

Step 1

In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup water to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, until liquid is absorbed, 12-15 minutes. Meanwhile, soak berries in remaining water for 10 minutes; drain. Halve banana crosswise. Slice one half; mash the other.

Remove quinoa from heat; fluff with a fork. Mix in mashed banana, almond milk, maple syrup, cinnamon and vanilla. Transfer to an individual bowl; add blueberries, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, banana slices and goji berries. If desired, serve with additional almond milk.