Breakfast Quinoa

I just got a giant bag of Quinoa from Costco. Even though it looks like it's pronounced kih-no-ah, it's actually keen-wah according to dictionary.com. Quinoa is an ivory colored seed grown in South America. It is a pure protein meaning it contains all the essential amino acids the body needs to repair and grow tissue. It's gluten free and it's high in iron and calcium, and is a good source of manganese, magnesium, copper, and fiber. So basically, this seed that acts like a grain in cooking is amazingly good for you. But can you make it taste good, too?? That's what I'm about to discover. This morning, we had it for breakfast. Was it good? Ohh yes, it was! It was made two ways. I only photographed the one, though. My kids loved it! Score. =)

Quinoa Pudding

1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup quinoa
2 cups whole milk
2 ripe bananas
2 tablespoons white sugar
salt to taste
1/2 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Rinse and drain the quinoa. Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. 

 

Blend together the milk, bananas, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a blender or food processor until smooth. Pour the milk mixture into the saucepan with the quinoa. 

 

Place the pan over medium heat. Cook and stir until the mixture becomes thick and creamy, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the butter and vanilla and serve warm. 

 

 

Maple Cinnamon Quinoa

 

2 cups water

1 cup quinoa

1 tablespoon salted butter

1/4 cup maple syrup

Cinnamon

Rinse and drain the quinoa. Bring water and quinoa to a boil in a saucepan over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat. 

Stir in butter, put on plate, and drizzle with maple syrup. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. I garnished with mini morsels. They just look so cute!!