Quinoa Breakfast Parfait

The January cold snap has finally broken here, but we are still due for snow and grey skies. During the winter, I love to find something that brightens my day and makes the morning routine easier. These Quinoa Breakfast Parfaits do just that!

Quinoa for breakfast might seem odd to you, but it is such a versatile grain that it can be prepared in either a savory or sweet manner. So, next time you have some leftover quinoa, or you have 15 minutes to cook some up, you can make these sweet little treats!

I like to make these in little glasses or jars and seal them in a container in the fridge. They will last for at least three days in the fridge and honestly, they are perfect anytime of the day… for breakfast, a snack or dessert!

These Quinoa Parfaits are high in protein, (not that you should worry about that)- link to my blog post about protein here.. and low in sugar (depending on how you make them). They are high in fibre, have that “fill you up” factor and are super simple to make. Another bonus is, you can make them a hundred different ways depending on what toppings you have in your fridge and pantry!

So, let’s get started! You should have these babies done within about 20 minutes if you prep what you need while the quinoa is cooking.

These are perfect to make the night before during the work/school week. Your kids will think they have woken up to a party!

This recipe is excellent to double and serve to overnight guests as a weekend breakfast! It’s always nice to wake up to something ready in the fridge. Then all you have to worry about is getting your coffee brewing!

Quinoa Breakfast Parfait

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Serves: 4-5 Prep Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes 15 minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup quinoa - uncooked -triples when cooked!
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, plus extra for topping
• pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or plant based milk of your choice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 drops stevia liquid or a few sprinkles of stevia powder, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, or 1 tablespoon of date sugar for the healthiest option
• 4 tablespoons of slivered almonds or any chopped nut or seeds of your choice
• 1 bananas, sliced
• 1/2- 3/4 cup plant based yogourt (coconut, soy, almond, etc.)
• 3-4 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup mixed berries or fruit, fresh or frozen of your choice
• 2 tablespoon chia seeds, or hemp seeds for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

• Give the quinoa a quick rinse under running water.  Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
• Once cooked, remove from the heat and set aside to cool.  Then stir in the cinnamon and salt. 
• In a saucepan over medium–low heat, or in the microwave, warm the nut milk.
• Stir in the vanilla and stevia or other sweetener.
• Add a couple of spoonfuls of quinoa to four glass jars, or glasses. 
• Pour a tablespoon or so of milk over the quinoa in each container.  Follow with layers of slivered almonds, banana slices, yogourt, coconut flakes and berries. Repeat until the jars are full, with berries as the top layer.
• Top with chia seeds or hemp seeds and more cinnamon if you like. 

 

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