Breakfast quinoa for two

Ingredients

Serves: 2

• ½ cup (125 mL) quinoa, rinsed (all types of quinoa work – ivory, red, black or mixed)
• 1 cup (250 mL) water
• 1 cup (250 mL) 1% milk
• 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
• ½ tsp (2.5 mL) cinnamon
• 1 cup (250 mL) blueberries, fresh or frozen, thawed
• 1 small banana, sliced
• ½ cup (125 mL) walnuts, chopped

Instructions

1. Combine quinoa and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat; cover, reduce heat to low and lightly simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed.
2. Gradually stir in milk, vanilla and cinnamon. Over low heat, continue to cook, stirring gently for about 5 minutes to warm milk and allow some of it to be absorbed. The mixture will still be milky and slightly liquidy.
3. Divide between two bowls and top with blueberries, banana slices and walnuts. Serve hot.

• Nutrition know-how: Quinoa is a lower-glycemic index source of carbohydrate and is naturally higher in protein than other starchy foods.
• Cooking know-how: Rinsing quinoa before cooking helps to reduce compounds called saponins that contribute to its bitter taste.