Not Quinoa on this Breakfast

Yep, my children were not quinoa (pronounced Keen-wa) on this breakfast. They weren't sold on the nutritional value, cinnamon, chunky applesauce, brown sugar, shredded coconut, or the fact that the quinoa was organic. Maybe sprinkles would have helped but I think it would have tipped the nutritional balance right into the abyss.

On the other hand, their mother thought it was great!


Quinoa is a grain that originates from the Andes Mountains of South America. Quinoa needs to be rinsed thoroughly to remove any residue of bitter tasting saponins. In order to do this rinse Quinoa in the pot with plenty of water and agitate well. Rubbing the seeds together will help remove the any saponin residue. Pour the water off and put quinoa in a fine mesh sieve. Rinse again with running water.

Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

Quinoa
1/2 cup Quinoa (125 mL)
1 cup water (250 mL)
bit of salt
Rinse quinoa thoroughly before use (3 minutes in agitating water, drain, rinse again) Place quinoa, water, and salt in small saucepan. Cover and simmer 7-10 minutes.

Open a jar of applesauce or...

Chunky Applesauce
2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
1 tsp cinnamon (5 mL)
2 tbsp brown sugar (30 mL)
Adjust sugar according to the sweetness/tartness of apples.

Place apples, sugar, and cinnamon in a microwave safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Check. If apples are soft, chop roughly. If they are still very firm, microwave for another minute. The apples can be cooked on the stove top but add a dash of water and cover pot tightly.

Add Ins
raisins, shredded coconut, chopped fresh or dried fruit, nuts

Mix cooked quinoa, chunky applesauce, and any other fruit/nuts that appeal to you. Serve topped with a sprinkle of coconut. Serve warm.

Serves 2-4 depending on serving size.