Are you ready to elevate your breakfast game with a dish that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients? Introducing the Cinnamon Toasted Pecan Breakfast Quinoa—a delightful blend of fluffy quinoa, crunchy pecans, and warm cinnamon that will make your taste buds dance! This easy-to-make recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish and is perfect for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. With its wholesome ingredients and delightful flavors, you'll want to make this breakfast staple a regular in your kitchen. Dive into the recipe below and discover how to whip up this mouthwatering morning treat that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- Fresh fruit for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitterness. This step is crucial for achieving a pleasant flavor.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed all the water and is fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
- While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the pecans. In a small skillet over medium heat, add the chopped pecans and toast them for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.
- After the quinoa has rested, fluff it with a fork and then stir in the toasted pecans, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
- To serve, divide the cinnamon toasted pecan quinoa into bowls and garnish with fresh fruit of your choice, such as sliced bananas, berries, or diced apples for added sweetness and texture.
- Enjoy your warm and nutritious Cinnamon Toasted Pecan Breakfast Quinoa as a delightful start to your day!
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip the rinsing step! Rinsing the quinoa helps remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. A fine-mesh strainer works best for this.
- Toast the Pecans Carefully: Keep a close eye on the pecans while toasting them in the skillet. They can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds, so stir frequently and remove them from heat as soon as they're fragrant and browned.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your sweetness preference. You can also try using honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Add Extra Flavor: For an added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla extract when mixing the quinoa with the pecans and cinnamon.
- Garnish Creatively: Fresh fruit not only adds sweetness but also a pop of color. Experiment with different fruits like berries, bananas, or even a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds to make your breakfast bowl visually appealing and even more nutritious.
- Make It Ahead: This breakfast quinoa can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat it in the microwave and add fresh fruit before serving.
- Try Variations: Don’t hesitate to mix it up! Add in some dried fruits, like raisins or cranberries, or even a scoop of yogurt for a creamier texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
