Breakfast Quinoa Bowl With Plums And Dark Chocolate Recipe

Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day. Well, it's certainly the most important meal of the morning, and because, for many people, breakfast is the way of setting yourself up for the day ahead, the difference between a good breakfast and a bad breakfast can be the difference between a good day and a bad day.

This breakfast quinoa bowl recipe, developed by Jennine Rye, is packed with goodness without compromising on flavor. Instead of oats or cereals, this breakfast bowl is based on quinoa, which, while relatively niche about a decade ago, has very much stepped into the mainstream. It is in fact not a type of grain, but actually a seed, and because of its nutrient-dense makeup, it is considered a superfood. Quinoa boasts high quantities of protein, fiber, manganese and magnesium, folate, and thiamine, and unlike a lot of meat-free foods, all nine essential amino acids are present in quinoa. 

On top of that, this dish includes coconut, plums, and dark chocolate for even more health benefits, as well as a whole heap of delicious flavor. This breakfast quinoa bowl with plums and dark chocolate is perfect for a lazy Saturday or Sunday morning breakfast, so why not give it a try this weekend?

Rinse the quinoa for 1-2 minutes under cold water until the water runs clear.

To a medium-sized saucepan placed over medium heat, add the rinsed quinoa and butter.

Toast for 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the quinoa begins to color and smell nutty.

Add the coconut milk.

Bring the mixture to a low simmer, cover, and let cook for 15-20 minutes.

Remove the quinoa from the heat and allow to sit for 5 minutes.

Stir in 1 piece of dark chocolate, reserving the rest for topping.

Cut the plums into slices.

The great thing about breakfast bowls is how easily adaptable they are, whether that is to account for dietary restrictions, whatever you currently have in the kitchen cupboards, or just personal preference. While this recipe uses coconut milk, if you have other preferred types of plant milk, such as soy or almond, you could just as easily use those. Similarly, if you're a fan of cow's milk, that will work just fine too.

This recipe uses plums, which pair wonderfully with the dark chocolate and add a seasonal touch to the dish. However, depending on the season, you could really use any fruit, dried or fresh. Strawberries make a classic pairing with dark chocolate, as do most other berries. Cherries, bananas, or pears also make delicious pairings for this breakfast quinoa bowl. You could also add in some nuts for a protein-rich bit of texture. Almonds, walnuts, and pecans would all accompany this bowl brilliantly. Additionally, this is a great dish to add things like chia seeds, protein powder, or spirulina, making it even more nutritious.