Fresh and Fruity Qunioa Porridge

Vegan MoFo theme: Healthy Vegan Brunch (and Breakfast) from A to Z. 

My posts so far have been a little on the denser side and heavier on the baking - which, trust me, has not been the best timing since temperatures have been reaching close to 90 in Santa Monica this past week! And did I mention I live on the second floor of a very sunny apartment with no air conditioning? Yowzers!!

For letter F, I thought I'd take a bit of a lighter, fresher approach with a quinoa porridge. Berries have been abundant, (and on sale!) so I decided I'd load up on the berries for you. Of course, this simple dish can be made with any fresh fruit you have on hand. Have fun with changing the fruit up for the seasons. Each season will bring new health benefits to start your day. 

Berries offer loads of antioxidants you need for glowing skin, slowed aging, fighting off cancer and other disease, and so much more! I wrote a little more in depth about the magical healing power of berries in a guest post I did back in May for Christy Morgan's blog The Blissful Chef, if you're interested in learning more.

Quinoa porridge is a great way to start your day as it is protein packed and nutrient dense, and naturally gluten and soy free. There is no added sugar; the sweetness is derived from the dates and fresh berries. It's also a great way to use up leftover quinoa.  

If you don't have any precooked quinoa, prepare 1/4 cup dried quinoa to yield one cup cooked. Quinoa  is prepared with a 2:1 ratio of water to quinoa, then simmered with a cover for 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed. 

Fresh and Fruity Quinoa Porridge 
Ingredients 
1 cup cooked quinoa, rainbow is really pretty 

1/2 cup unsweetened rice or almond milk (or more for extra creaminess) 

1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamon 

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 cup dates, pitted and chopped

1/4 cup almonds, chopped 

1/4 cup each of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries, or as much as you'd like! 

Directions 

1. Combine all ingredients except the almond and berries in a medium sauce pan. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, until heated through.  

2. Remove from heat and stir in berries. Transfer quinoa to individual bowls, garnish with additional fresh fruit. 

**Alternately, combine everything in a bowl and enjoy cold. 

Makes 2 hearty servings.