Cherry Almond Breakfast Quinoa

$- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice) - 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved - 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon pure almond extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - Pinch of salt - Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional) The main ingredients in this dish include quinoa, almond milk, and cherries. Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber. It cooks up fluffy and adds a nice texture. Almond milk gives a creamy feel without dairy. It’s a perfect base for breakfast. Cherries add a pop of sweetness and tartness, making this meal fun. You will also need sliced almonds, honey or maple syrup, and almond extract. Sliced almonds bring a nice crunch that contrasts well with the soft quinoa. Sweeteners like honey or maple syrup help balance the tartness of the cherries. Almond extract enhances the nutty flavor, making the dish rich. For spices, we use cinnamon and salt. Cinnamon adds warmth and depth. A pinch of salt brings out all the flavors. Fresh mint leaves are optional but make a lovely garnish. They add a fresh note that brightens the dish. Gather these ingredients to create a nutritious and tasty breakfast. Each element plays a role in making this meal a delicious power boost. {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. This step helps remove any bitterness. - In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of almond milk, a pinch of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients. - Next, bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Watch closely to prevent it from boiling over. - Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa should absorb all the liquid and become fluffy. - After cooking, fluff the quinoa with a fork. Stir in 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. You can adjust the sweetness as you like. - Next, gently fold in 1 cup of halved cherries and half of the 1/2 cup of toasted almonds. Keep the rest of the almonds for topping later. - Serve the cherry almond quinoa warm in bowls. Top each bowl with the remaining toasted almonds. Add fresh mint leaves for a beautiful garnish if you wish. Rinsing quinoa is a key step. Quinoa has a bitter coating called saponin. Rinse it well under cold water. This removes the bitterness. Use a fine mesh strainer to make rinsing easier. Adjusting cooking times may change your result. After boiling, lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Check for doneness. The quinoa should be fluffy and all the liquid should be absorbed. If it’s still crunchy, add a little water and cook longer. Choosing the right sweetener can change your dish. Honey adds a lovely floral taste. Maple syrup gives a rich, caramel flavor. You can even mix both to find your perfect taste. Taste testing is important as well. Start with the recipe's suggested amount. Then, add more sweetener if you like it sweeter. Mix well and taste again. This way, you can find what makes you happy. If you want alternatives to mint, try basil or even edible flowers. These can brighten your dish and add color. Fresh basil gives a unique twist that pairs nicely with cherries. For creative toppings, consider coconut flakes or chia seeds. You can also add more sliced almonds for crunch. Drizzle extra honey or maple syrup on top for added sweetness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cherries: Fresh cherries will provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the quinoa. Toast Almonds for Extra Flavor: Toasting the almonds enhances their nutty flavor, adding depth to your dish. Simply sauté them in a dry skillet until golden brown. Experiment with Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness to your preference. Start with less honey or maple syrup and add more if desired after mixing in the cherries. Try Different Milks: While almond milk is delicious, feel free to try coconut milk or oat milk for varied flavors and creaminess. {{image_2}} You can switch up the fruit in this recipe. Consider using blueberries, strawberries, or peaches. Each fruit adds its own taste and color, making the dish fun and fresh. You can also use dairy-free milk options like oat, coconut, or soy milk. Each choice brings a different flavor and texture. To make your quinoa pop, try adding spices. Cardamom or nutmeg can give it a warm twist. You might also like to add nut butters. Almond butter or peanut butter can boost the creaminess and flavor of the dish. Just mix a spoonful in when you add the sweeteners. You can enjoy Cherry Almond Breakfast Quinoa in many ways. Pair it with yogurt for a creamy contrast. This adds protein and makes it more filling. You can also serve it as a dessert option. It looks beautiful in a bowl and tastes sweet enough to satisfy your cravings. Store your Cherry Almond Breakfast Quinoa in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can put it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure it cools before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture loss. You can reheat quinoa in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place it in a bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through for even warmth. For the stovetop, add a splash of almond milk to a pan. Heat on low until warm, stirring gently. This keeps the quinoa fluffy and moist. Yes, you can freeze quinoa! Place it in a freezer-safe container. It stays good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, you can use the microwave on low. This helps maintain the texture and taste. Yes, you can substitute quinoa with other grains. Some good options are: - Brown rice - Millet - Buckwheat Each grain has its own cooking time. For example: - Brown rice takes about 45 minutes. - Millet cooks in about 20 minutes. - Buckwheat usually takes around 15 minutes. Check the package for exact times. Adjust the liquid used based on the grain. Cherry Almond Breakfast Quinoa lasts about four to five days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Signs of spoilage include: - Off smell - Changes in color - Unwanted mold If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the quinoa. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain. However, be cautious about cross-contamination. If you use packaged quinoa, check for a gluten-free label. This ensures it was not processed in a facility that handles gluten-containing grains. This blog post covers how to make an easy Cherry Almond Breakfast Quinoa. You learned about key ingredients like quinoa, almond milk, and cherries. The step-by-step guide helps you prepare and assemble the dish. Helpful tips can make your quinoa perfect. Feel free to try variations and adjust flavors to your liking. With proper storage, leftovers can stay fresh. Enjoy this tasty, healthy breakfast any day. It’s simple and delicious!$

Cherry Almond Breakfast Quinoa

A delicious and nutritious breakfast option featuring quinoa, cherries, and almonds.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa, rinsed
2 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice)
1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
0.5 cup sliced almonds, toasted
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon pure almond extract
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pinch salt
to taste fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, almond milk, a pinch of salt, and cinnamon.
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 liquid and is fluffy.
Once cooked, fluff the quinoa with a fork and stir in the honey (or maple syrup) and almond extract. Adjust sweetness if desired.
Gently fold in the halved cherries and half of the toasted almonds, reserving the remaining almonds for topping.
Serve the cherry almond quinoa warm in bowls, topped with the remaining toasted almonds and a few fresh mint leaves for garnish if desired.

Notes

Adjust sweetness to taste and use fresh mint for garnish if desired.

Keyword almond, breakfast, cherry, healthy, quinoa