Start your day off right with a bowl of Homemade Crunchy Maple Quinoa Cereal that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Imagine a breakfast that combines the wholesome goodness of quinoa, the natural sweetness of maple syrup, and the delightful crunch of nuts and dried fruit—all in one satisfying bowl. This easy-to-make recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish and will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game and discover a new favorite that your whole family will love!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Breakfast
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (e.g., raisins, cranberries)
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water to remove any bitter saponin coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, water, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to mix ingredients evenly.
- Bring the quinoa mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer the quinoa for approximately 15 minutes, or until water is completely absorbed and quinoa is tender with a slight crunch.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread the cooked quinoa mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet, creating a thin, single layer.
- Chop nuts into small, uniform pieces and sprinkle them over the quinoa.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 7-8 minutes to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
- Remove from oven when quinoa is golden brown and crispy, with a crunchy texture.
- Allow the cereal to cool completely on the baking sheet, which will help it become extra crisp.
- Once cooled, mix in dried fruit of your choice and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step is crucial to remove the bitter saponins that can affect the flavor of your cereal.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet cereal, start with a smaller amount and add more later if desired.
- Customize Your Nuts and Fruits: Experiment with different nuts and dried fruits to create your perfect mix. Almonds, walnuts, or even pecans can add a delightful crunch, while raisins, cranberries, or apricots can enhance the flavor profile.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the quinoa while it’s baking. Ovens can vary, so stir it every 7-8 minutes and remove it once it’s golden brown to avoid burning.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cereal to cool completely on the baking sheet before storing it. This will ensure it stays crunchy and fresh for longer.
- Storage: Store your homemade cereal in an airtight container to maintain its crispness. It should last up to a week—if it lasts that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 259kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
