High-Protein Breakfast Quinoa Porridge
Kickstart your day with this nourishing High-Protein Breakfast Quinoa Porridge, a warm and satisfying bowl that combines the goodness of quinoa with a protein boost from nuts, seeds, and Greek yogurt.
For 1 serving
Rinse the uncooked quinoa thoroughly under cold running water in a fine-mesh sieve for at least 30 seconds. This removes saponins, which can cause a bitter taste.
In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, unsweetened almond milk (or dairy milk), water, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the quinoa appears fluffy with a small 'tail' visible.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. This allows the quinoa to steam and become even fluffier. If using, stir in the vanilla extract.
Fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork and transfer it into a serving bowl.
Top the warm quinoa porridge with the fresh or frozen mixed berries, chopped almonds, and chia seeds.
Add a generous dollop of plain Greek yogurt to the center of the bowl.
If desired, drizzle with a tiny bit of maple syrup for added sweetness. Serve immediately and enjoy your high-protein breakfast!
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Toasting your nuts (almonds, in this case) lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them can enhance their flavor and crunch.
- 2For a creamier porridge, you can use full-fat dairy milk or coconut milk. For a thinner consistency, add a splash more milk or water after cooking.
- 3This recipe is great for meal prep! Cook a larger batch of quinoa porridge at the beginning of the week and store it in the fridge. Reheat individual portions with a splash of milk.
- 4Ensure your quinoa is properly rinsed. If you skip this step, your porridge might have an unpleasant bitter aftertaste.
Adapt it for your goals.
Fruit Swap
Instead of mixed berries, try topping your porridge with sliced banana, diced apple, peaches, or even a spoonful of fruit compote.
Nut/Seed BoostNut/Seed Boost
Experiment with other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or pistachios, and seeds such as pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, or hemp hearts for varied textures and nutrients.
Flavor TwistFlavor Twist
Add a dash of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cooking liquid, or stir in a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a chocolatey version.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Complete Protein
Quinoa is one of the few plant foods considered a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, crucial for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Fiber
The high fiber content from quinoa, berries, and chia seeds aids digestion, promotes satiety, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and supports gut health.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Chia seeds are an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, reducing inflammation, and supporting brain function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, rinsing quinoa is highly recommended to remove saponins, a natural coating that can give it a bitter or soapy taste. A fine-mesh sieve works best for this.
