| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 295 | 11g | 3g | 40g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 12g | 6g | 10g | 0.1g |
Goji Berry and Quinoa Porridge: Fusion of Health and Flavor
One of my favorite concoctions, the Goji Berry and Quinoa Porridge, combines wholesome ingredients and surprising flavors to create a breakfast dish that’s simply delightful. Inspired by California’s vibrant health food culture, this recipe encompasses the best elements of the lifestyle I cherish—great taste mixed with conscious, clean eating. Ah, the merge of health-conscious West Coast ethos with pure, uncomplicated culinary joy—it’s what keeps my kitchen buzzing.
Sailing in a Sea of Health Benefits
The wealth of health benefits this porridge provides makes it more than just a sumptuous meal. For starters, the hero of this dish—goji berries—are known for their high antioxidative properties, potentially boosting skin health and the immune system, and even aiding in weight loss. They lend this recipe a sweet, slightly tangy kick, adding both character and well-being—the true embodiment of California living.
With the quinoa taking center stage as a gluten-free, high-protein grain, this dish becomes a nutritional powerhouse. Being abundant in fiber, iron, and magnesium, it’s arguably ideal for breakfasts, priming you for the day’s adventures. Combine that with the richness of almonds, the omega-3 packed chia seeds, the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup, and the fruity accents… the result? A perfect, salutary, West Coast morning meal.
A Culinary Symphony in a Bowl
Ultimately, the Goji Berry and Quinoa Porridge is kind of like a symphony—it takes contrasting elements and combines them harmoniously. The nutty flavor of the quinoa coupled with the refreshing sweetness of the berries, all tied together with the creamy touch of almond milk, and finally topped off with a crunch. It’s a gustatory delight and a testament to what you can accomplish with a few, simple ingredients.
I find it similar to a warming bowl of hazelnut oatmeal or a hearty serving of overnight oats. But what makes it unique is the inclusion of goji berries with their powerful red hue and profound sweetness. It’s a dish that stands wonderfully on its own and pairs well with a simple, fresh salad or a glass of crisp white blend for a Sunday brunch.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of quinoa
- 3 cups of almond milk
- 1/3 cup of dried goji berries
- 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 apple, cored and chopped
- 1/2 cup of mixed nuts for topping
- 1/2 cup of fresh berries for topping
Method
Step One
First, rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any residue. Place it into a large saucepan.
Step Two
Add 3 cups of almond milk and 1/3 cup of dried goji berries to the saucepan. Stir this mixture.
Step Three
Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step Four
While your quinoa is simmering, core and chop one apple. Set it aside for later.
Step Five
After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
Step Six
Fold in the chopped apple to your quinoa mixture.
Step Seven
Serve your porridge warm, topped with 1/2 cup of mixed nuts and 1/2 cup of fresh berries. Enjoy your hearty and healthy Goji Berry and Quinoa Porridge!
