Superfood Breakfast… Quinoa to the Rescue

My mom and her two sisters took a summer trip to Peru, home of the Incan superfood… quinoa.  I know.  I know.  Superfood?  Sounds healthy.  Where’s the junk food?  Well, I’m going to take a small break and give you a healthy breakfast, then back to the trash.  I promise.

Breakfast Quinoa with Sliced Strawberries & Soy Milk

So what is quinoa?  It’s a grain that is high in protein.  Actually, it’s a complete protein.  You may be asking, “What is a complete protein?”.  It’s a protein that has all nine of the essential amino acids in correct proportions.  Not bad for a little grain.  

Uncooked Quinoa

The United Nations General Assembly even declared 2013 the International Year of Quinoa.

You can find quinoa in the bulk food section in your favorite health food store or boxed in stores like Trader Joe’s. 

 To cook, put 1 cup of quinoa into a saucepan with 2 cups water.  This will make about 3 servings.  (If you want to make more or less, the ratio of quinoa to water is 1 part quinoa to 2 parts water.)

Cooked Quinoa

Cook on medium heat, until the water starts to boil.  Lower the heat and cover.  Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the water is absorbed.  Turn off heat and leave covered for 5 minutes.  Uncover and fluff with a fork.

Quinoa with Sliced Strawberries

Now, here’s the fun part.  You get to choose whatever ingredients your little heart desires to add to the quinoa.  I used fresh cut strawberries and a little chia seed (to make it even healthier).  I’ve tried cinnamon, cocoa powder and peanut butter, and sliced bananas. 

Quinoa with Sliced Strawberries & Topped with Chia Seeds

Top with a little non-dairy milk, almond milk or soy milk should do just fine.  I used the vanilla flavored soy milk from Trader Joe’s for this batch.  Try it.  See, that wasn’t so bad.