Beautiful and nutritious Quinoa Rainbow Breakfast Bowl. Naturally coloured and flavoured with freeze dried fruit and topped with the colours of nature. Free from gluten, dairy, egg, soy and refined-sugar. Vegan
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Quinoa Rainbow Breakfast Bowl – incredibly nutritious
This Quinoa Rainbow Breakfast Bowl is ‘up there’ in the running for healthiest breakfast ever. Why? Because Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wah) has to be one of the most incredible seeds on the planet. It is so amazing that 2013 was designated by the Food and Agriculture Organisation as the International Year of Quinoa. And rightly so! It is nutritional magic.
First and foremost, it is a complete protein… Meaning it contains all nine of the essential amino acids your body needs to regenerate and grow. This little gem contains twice the level of protein that you will find in either rice or barley. That alone makes it a perfect base for a breakfast that will set you up for the day. And being plant-based, is also perfect if you follow a vegan diet.
Quinoa is naturally gluten free. In addition to great protein, it contains high levels of calcium, magnesium and manganese and is a great source of vitamins B, E and dietary fibre. It is also considered to be among the least allergenic of grains… What’s not to love?
Making Quinoa Pink and fruity
This is not my first quinoa recipe or indeed my first breakfast bowl recipe. You’ll find this perfect little seed in everything from Buddha Bowls and stuffed aubergine, to butternut quinoa patties.
My original Quinoa Breakfast Bowl recipe (inspired by travel in Utah) may have been less colourful, but it was no less delicious. But for this update, I have taken quinoa to a new level.
Usually known for savoury use, this quinoa has been cooked with freeze-dried red berry fruit powder and a little maple syrup for colour, flavour and a touch of sweetness. Instead of boiling in water, it is also cooked in dairy free milk.
The result? A pretty pink, perfectly nutritious bowl, ready to be topped with naturally colourful fruit and nuts that will make it the quinoa rainbow breakfast bowl.
Cooking quinoa for a rainbow breakfast bowl
If you are new to cooking quinoa or have had trouble getting it fluffy, soft and delicious in the past, then check out my illustrated guide : ‘How to Cook Quinoa to Fluffy Perfection’. I’ve even included a handy downloadable Infographic that you can grab and keep in the kitchen.
When cooking a pink freeze-dried fruit version for the quinoa rainbow breakfast bowl, you follow all the same rules. Simply substitute savoury liquid stock for milk (or water) and fruit powder when cooking.
I wasn’t sure how milk would work in place of water to cook quinoa initially. However, as you don’t ‘drain’ quinoa or rinse it following cooking, it is a perfect choice. All the goodness and creaminess of the coconut (or other) milk remains in the dish, enhancing every mouthful with a little extra very healthy breakfast decadence.
What milk can I use to cook quinoa rainbow breakfast bowl?
I used Vita Coco Coconut Milk to make quinoa rainbow breakfast bowl. You can however make it with any other milk you like (dairy or non-dairy). Or, alternatively use water instead. It comes down to preference of flavour and any intolerance issues or dietary needs. Try and use a no added sugar variety.
I am a huge fan of coconut milks and often also use the Koko brand in coffee as an alternative to Vita Coco. I actually prefer coconut milk in drinks because it is lighter and easier for me to digest. There are however a number of coconut milk brands on the market. And all vary considerably in taste, wateriness and also the slightly grainy residue they can leave at the bottom of the cup. So, choose yours carefully. Both of those I have mentioned would work well for my quinoa rainbow breakfast bowl.
Why use freeze-dried berries?
Regular readers of Gluten Free Alchemist will know that I am a huge fan of freeze-dried fruit. It provides a huge concentration of flavour from a process that locks in all the vitamins and minerals.
Because it doesn’t add extra liquid in the form of fruit juice, it is also perfect for baking. Check out rhubarb upside down cake (using strawberry fruit powder), pink strawberry cookies (there’s also a blackcurrant version), gluten free cherry-almond pastry and my raspberry and lemon drizzle bundt cake to see just how versatile freeze-dried fruit can be. I’ve even used it to make cherry marzipan for a cherry-chocolate Battenberg cake, in raspberry macaron shells and in instant fruit and nut porridge jars.
The best place to source freeze-dried fruit powders (whether for quinoa rainbow breakfast bowl or anything else) is on-line. It’s cheaper and the choice is way more extensive than you will find in any supermarket. My absolute go-to store for freeze-dried fruit and veg is Healthy Supplies.
What else goes into a Quinoa Rainbow Breakfast Bowl?
Set against the slight tartness of the perfectly pink freeze-dried cherry, the ‘nutty’ quinoa makes a delicious base for fruit, nuts and other additions.
I topped my quinoa rainbow breakfast bowl with a veritable array of natural textures and colours… Soft, squidgy, fruity blueberries with their amazing anti-oxidant properties (as well as a healthy dose of vitamins)… Crunchy green Iranian pistachios for extra protein and heart-healthy fat… Some soft, slightly chewy dried peaches (another great source of vitamins and fibre)… Some of my favourite freeze-dried melt-in-the-mouth raspberry pieces, adding tangy sweetness and extra vitamin C… And a show-stopping physalis for good measure.
For a little extra sweetness (and because I love the caramel notes it brings), I also added a sprinkle of coconut sugar. Coconut sugar has much lower ratios of fructose than standard sugars, making it a healthier choice for those of us who are prone to guilty indulgence.
Fancy trying Quinoa Rainbow Breakfast Bowl?
Let me know how you get on. What did you top yours with? How did you find my guide to cooking quinoa? Leave a comment or tag me on social media (links at the top). I always love feedback and seeing what you’ve been making.
If you are looking for other breakfast inspiration, you can also head over to the Breakfast Recipe Index. For everything else, sit down and spend some time browsing our Free Recipe Book Index.
Quinoa Rainbow Breakfast Bowl
Key equipment
- fine-holed sieve (if quinoa is not pre-rinsed)
- saucepan with lid
- wooden/silicone spoon
- hob
- microwave (optional – for warm milk)
- bowl & spoon to enjoy x
Ingredients
- 90 g uncooked quinoa (½ cup) For 2 portions. Tip : cook quinoa in advance for several portions. Store in fridge.
- 240 ml milk of choice (1 cup/240g) see post. Preferably no sugar added
- ½ tbsp freeze-dried cherry powder (or freeze-dried raspberry/strawberry powder)
- ½ tbsp maple syrup
- 2 physalis fruits
- 2 tablespoons freeze-dried raspberry pieces or alternative red fruit
- 4 dried peaches (or apricots) – cut into small pieces
- 2 tbsp Iranian pistachio nuts or chopped standard unsalted pistachios
- 4 tbsp fresh blueberries
- 1½ tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar of choice
Instructions
To Cook Quinoa
- You can prepare the quinoa the night before and eat it cold. Or warm it in the microwave in the morning with a little additional Milk if you prefer a warm breakfast.
- Rinse the quinoa (if not pre-rinsed) by placing in a sieve and running under cold water for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain well.
- Transfer the quinoa into a saucepan and add the milk, freeze dried fruit powder and maple syrup.
- Bring to the boil over medium heat, stirring intermittently.
- Once boiling, turn down the heat to a simmer and place the lid on the saucepan. Simmer for 15 minutes until the water has been absorbed and the kernels have 'opened'.
- Remove from the heat and leave to stand for a further 5 minutes with the lid on to allow the quinoa to absorb any remaining liquid.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork. It is now ready to use. If not using immediately, transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To make the Quinoa Rainbow Breakfast Bowl
- Measure a portion of hot or cold quinoa into a bowl.
- Arrange the fruit on top of the quinoa as you wish.
- Sprinkle with a little coconut sugar.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Quinoa Rainbow Breakfast Bowl shared with :
- Full Plate Thursday #498 with Miz Helen’s Country Cottage
- Creative Muster #398 with Fluster Buster
- Meatless Monday with Confessions of a Mother Runner
- What’s For Dinner #268 with The Lazy Gastronome
- Fiesta Friday #344 with Angie and Life Diet Health
Previously shared with : Free From Fridays with Free From Farmhouse and Le Coin De Mel
Absolutely gorgeous Kate! I never thought about cherry powder how exciting, I’m concocting all sorts of things now! I love how you made the quinoa pink (and glad I’m not the only one who cooks it in milk)! Fabulous decorating too – I’m sure even if I copied it mine still wouldn’t look like that! Thanks so much for linking up and sharing at Fiesta Friday. Enjoy the Fiesta!
Thank you Laurena. Cooking in milk and adding fruit powder was one of those light bulb moments that has opened up so many ‘quinoa doors’. Makes it perfect for a dessert recipe too xx
Your Rainbow Breakfast Bowl looks beautiful and delicious! Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us at Full Plate Thursday and please come back soon!
Miz Helen
Thank you Helen. You’re so welcome x
Hi, such pretty enticing colours. I wish my breakfast looked like this. I never knew that Vita CoCo did milk. I need to give it a try #freefromfridays
Thanks Chloe. You must try and find the Vita Coco milk….. It is rather lovely! x
Gorgeous as always! I love using freeze dried raspberry powder – now on the hunt for dried cherry powder, sounds amazing!! I have seen this milk around must get round to trying it! x
Thanks Midge. Definitely try the milk. It tastes fab!
And also check out Healthy Supplies for freeze dried fruit…. They have so many different fruit powders to choose from…. I have a whole bunch in my cupboard which I use for all sorts of things. I discovered them a few years ago and haven't looked back! x
This is just awesome, Kate! That pretty pink quinoa is so, so, pretty, and I love how beautifully you have made it look in the picture…and the coconut milk sounds FAB! I really hope you win – you totally deserve it!! Eb x
Thanks Eb. The quinoa came out an amazing colour. And all completely natural too! It would be lovely to win, but I am not expecting anything. I think they have probably completed their judging by now anyway….
The coconut milk is definitely the best I have come across. Give it a try if you get a chance xx
What a fabulous colourful breakfast. You are so good going to such trouble at breakfast time. where did you get the freeze dried cherry powder from? Ive not come across it but I have got raspberry powder as well as the dried raspberry pieces (I love those too). Thank you for sharing on CookBlogShare
Thank you. Although it looks like a lot of work for breakfast, you can cook up the quinoa and keep it in the fridge. So I reckon this is a much quicker and easier breakfast than say, pancakes!
You will find the cherry powder (and lots of other amazing fruit powders and freeze dried fruit) on-line at Healthy Supplies. They are a fantastic source xx
I'm so impressed by how pretty this is! I've never had quinoa for breakfast but it's something I'd love to have a go at one weekend when I've a little more time. I'll also have to look out for the freeze dried cherry powder as I can imagine it would be great for all sorts of baking as well. Thank you so much for sharing with #CookOnceEatTwice!
Thanks Corina. You're welcome. I am always amazed at the incredible colours nature throws at us.
I get my freeze dried cherry powder (along with all sorts of others) on the internet from Healthy Supplies. xx
This looks beautiful – I didn't know you could get freeze dried cherry powder – will have to look out for it #cookblogshare
Thank you Louise. I love using freeze dried fruit powders. You can get a whole range of them (including the cherry) from Healthy Supplies. x