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This Warm Berry Quinoa Oatmeal is a great way to start the day with added fiber, protein, the berries and honey give it natural sweetness, and the pecans and walnuts a nice crunch.
Most of the time, we're rushing out the door in the morning, which means we're almost always eating something quick and healthy before leaving the house for the day.
My husband and I are huge breakfast/brunch people, but our weekday morning breakfasts are pretty minimal. Which is why, breakfast for dinner is one of our favorite ways to mix things up!
This recipe reminds me of a twist on oatmeal, but the quinoa gives it a huge nutritional boost with added fiber and protein. Topped with fresh berries, bananas and nuts - it's perfectly sweet and satisfying all at the same time!
Tools and Equipment You'll Need For This Recipe
How to Make Warm Berry Quinoa Oatmeal - Step by Step
Step 1: Combine milk, water and quinoa in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 2: Turn off heat; let stand covered 5 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in berries, bananas, nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey.
Step 4: Transfer to bowls, top with nuts, additional milk if needed, and drizzle 1 teaspoon honey over each serving
What makes Warm Berry Quinoa Oatmeal healthy?
- High in Fiber: Quinoa is naturally high in fiber. With the added berries you're getting even more fiber. One serving of this quinoa oatmeal has 7 grams of fiber. Fiber is essential for healthy digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and lowers cholesterol.
- Complete Protein Source: Quinoa is the only grain that's also a complete protein, meaning that it contains all 9 essential amino acids, so it's really good for you! Normally, you have to pair a vegetarian protein (like beans) with a grain (like rice) in order for it to be a complete protein, but quinoa is like a 2 in 1 deal.
- Healthy Fats: The chopped nuts and quinoa provide healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Low in Sugar: Unlike store bought flavored oatmeal, granola or cereal; this Warm Berry Quinoa Oatmeal is relatively low in sugar. You can further reduce the sugar by reducing the amount of honey.
Will kids enjoy this Warm Berry Quinoa Oatmeal?
This is the perfect special breakfast for kids. If your kids enjoy oatmeal they will love this quinoa oatmeal. It's got a bit of a nutty flavor that works well with the chopped nuts, berries, bananas, and sweet honey.
Is Quinoa an oat?
Quinoa is not an oat. Quinoa is a grain crop, but the part of the crop that is eaten are the seeds. However, while quinoa is not an actual oat or grain, as the edible part of the plant that we eat is the seed, it is prepared similarly to other grains. It's naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent substitute other grains.
Is oatmeal or quinoa better for you?
Oats and quinoa are both healthy. I would not say one is healthier than the other. They each have their own unique and similar health benefits.
Oats and quinoa have nearly the same amount of protein per serving, however quinoa is a complete plant protein containing all of the necessary amino acids in one source.
Both oats and quinoa are high in fiber.
Oats are high in vitamins and nutrients such as manganese, phosphorous, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, folate, and some B vitamins. Quinoa is also high in these same vitamins and nutrients but to a slightly lesser percentage.
What do you serve with Warm Berry Quinoa Oatmeal?
This Warm Berry Quinoa Oatmeal pairs well with warm milk, or dairy free milk. Pour over top similar to oatmeal.
Top Tips for Making Warm Berry Quinoa Oatmeal
- To make this dish vegan use non-dairy milk of choice, and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Quinoa comes in many varieties, I used a multi-colored quinoa, but you could use white, red, or black on its own.
- Use whatever nuts you have on hand. I used walnuts and pecans, but you could also use cashews, peanuts, or sliced almonds.
- Be sure to cook the quinoa covered. It will not steam and cook properly unless covered. Allow additional time to steam and absorb liquid off of the heat.
- If you don't have blueberries and bananas, just throw in your favorite fruit - it will taste great!
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