Delicious quinoa, fruit and yogurt for breakfast
With fresh fruit finally hitting New Hampshire stores, I wanted to remind you of this breakfast I love. High in protein and we women frequently don't eat enough protein, packed with fresh fruit, creamy deliciousness.
Mix 1 c rinsed raw quinoa and 2 c cold water in a 1 qt. Pan. Bring to a full boil, turn down to a simmer, cover and set the timer to leave to cook for 10 minutes. Then turn off the heat, leave the pan on the turned off heat still covered for 5 more minutes, with the timer. This does work on an induction burner. After total of 15 minutes, remove lid, fluff quinoa and allow to cool. when the liquid should have been absorbed. Quinoa continues to cook and can change from quite firm to soft - your choice. I store cooled cooked quinoa in the fridge, add yogurt, fruit and nut for breakfast (3-4 tbsp with fruit and yogurt for Adult female is a generous portion). Quinoa and yogurt with soft fruit is a healthy, non chew breakfast for kids who don't like to chew.
I'm one of those that has been told not to eat even gf oats and that really messes up healthy, quick breakfasts. So most mornings I have cooked quinoa (cooked and stored in fridge) with vanilla Greek yogurt, fresh fruit – love blueberries for the antioxidants, golden raisins (sultanas) for the iron, and some nuts (even tastier toasted) for the crunch, protein and healthy fats. Add some cinnamon to boost your metabolism. Fresh sweet strawberries, peaches, nectarines, died and gone to heaven. Quinoa on its own is boring – just the same as white rice.
Quinoa is one of the latest products to hit the market. It should be organic (meaning not genetically modified), naturally gluten free, high in protein and fiber (the amount of fiber can put your body into 'overdrive', it doesn't mean there is anything wrong with the quinoa) and contains all the essential amino acids. Since it is high in protein it is great for vegans and meatless Mondays. I use it for soups, alternate for rice, quinoa flakes in baking. I'm still not fond of quinoa flour. Quinoa is available even in ordinary supermarkets. Don't buy it loose in bulk containers, there is far too much risk of cross contamination. Red and black quinoa look prettier, no difference nutritionally, but are more expensive. I buy a large bag in Costco for under $20.
