Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a delightful batch of quinoa banana porridge. We’ve kept it simple and wholesome, focusing on ingredients that are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits.

1 cup Quinoa, rinsed thoroughly: (The foundation of our porridge, quinoa is a complete protein and gluten-free grain, providing essential amino acids and a lovely nutty flavor.)
2 cups Milk (dairy or non-dairy): (Choose your preferred milk – dairy milk adds creaminess, while almond, oat, or coconut milk offer different flavors and cater to dietary preferences.)
2 cups Water: (Water helps cook the quinoa and achieve the perfect porridge consistency. You can adjust the ratio for a thicker or thinner porridge.)
2 ripe Bananas, mashed: (Ripe bananas are key for natural sweetness and a creamy texture. They also add potassium and dietary fiber.)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: (Enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness.)
1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: (Adds a comforting warmth and subtle spice, complementing the banana and quinoa beautifully. You can also use nutmeg or cardamom.)
Pinch of Salt: (A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the nutty notes of quinoa.)
Optional Sweetener (Maple Syrup, Honey, or Agave): (Depending on your sweetness preference and the ripeness of your bananas, you might want to add a touch of extra sweetener. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.)
Optional Toppings (Nuts, Seeds, Fruits, Honey, Maple Syrup, Chocolate Chips): (Get creative with your toppings! These add texture, flavor, and extra nutrients to your porridge. We’ll explore topping ideas in detail later.)

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Instructions

Making quinoa banana porridge is incredibly straightforward. It’s a one-pot wonder that comes together in under 30 minutes. Follow these simple steps to create a breakfast that’s both nutritious and delicious:

Rinse the Quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly under cold running water for about a minute. This step is crucial to remove saponins, a natural coating that can give quinoa a slightly bitter taste. Rinsing ensures a clean and pleasant flavor for your porridge.
Combine Ingredients in a Pot: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, milk, water, mashed bananas, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently, uncovered. Simmering allows the quinoa to cook through and absorb the liquid, creating a creamy porridge texture.
Cook Until Quinoa is Tender and Porridge is Creamy: Continue to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. The quinoa is cooked when it becomes translucent and tender, and the porridge has thickened to your desired consistency. If the porridge becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk or water to reach your preferred consistency.
Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Once the quinoa is cooked, taste the porridge and adjust sweetness if needed. If you prefer a sweeter porridge, stir in a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar to your liking. Remember that ripe bananas already contribute a good amount of natural sweetness, so start with a small amount of added sweetener and taste as you go.
Serve Warm and Enjoy! Ladle the quinoa banana porridge into bowls and serve immediately while warm. This is the perfect time to get creative with your toppings! See our “How to Serve” section for delicious topping ideas.

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 300
Fiber: 7
Protein: 10