Want a breakfast that feels like a warm hug? This Warm Cinnamon Quinoa & Almond Breakfast Bowl is just the thing! It’s packed with healthy quinoa, crunchy almonds, and a sweet cinnamon spice that makes it taste like a treat. Even better, it’s under 250 calories and super easy to make!
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Why is this warm breakfast bowl so good?
Forget cold cereal! This bowl is warm, comforting, and full of good stuff to fuel your day. Quinoa is a super grain that’s packed with protein, and almonds add a satisfying crunch and healthy fats. The cinnamon makes it taste delicious and cozy, perfect for chilly mornings.
Recipe: Warm Cinnamon Quinoa & Almond Breakfast Bowl (Under 250 Calories)
This recipe serves 1 person.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Quinoa (uncooked) | 1/4 cup |
| Almond Milk (unsweetened) | 1 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Cinnamon (ground) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Almonds (sliced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Apple (small) | 1/2 |
| Maple Syrup (or honey) | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions:
- Rinse the quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water for about 30 seconds. This helps remove any bitterness.
- Cook the quinoa: In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, almond milk, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer and spice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add flavour: Remove from heat and stir in the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract.
- Prep the apple and almonds: While the quinoa is cooking, wash and dice the apple. Slice the almonds if they aren’t already sliced.
- Assemble the bowl: Spoon the warm cinnamon quinoa into a bowl. Top with the diced apple and sliced almonds.
- Sweeten (optional): Drizzle with a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey if you like a little extra sweetness.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Macro Breakdown (per serving, approximate):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Protein | 7g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
Note: Macros are estimates and can vary slightly depending on the specific brands and sizes of ingredients used.
Tips for Making Your Bowl Extra Cozy:
- Toast the almonds: Toasting the sliced almonds in a dry pan for a few minutes brings out their flavour and makes them extra crunchy. Watch them carefully so they don’t burn!
- Spice it up: If you love cinnamon, feel free to add a little extra! You could also add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for even more warm spice flavour.
- Cook ahead: You can cook the quinoa ahead of time and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just reheat it and add the toppings.
- Warm milk for extra creaminess: For an even creamier bowl, you can warm the almond milk slightly before cooking the quinoa.
Want to Mix it Up? Try These Ingredient Swaps:
- Fruit:
- Instead of apple, try pear, banana slices, or berries like blueberries or raspberries.
- Add a spoonful of unsweetened applesauce or pumpkin puree to the quinoa while cooking for extra flavour and moisture.
- Dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates can be added for sweetness and chewiness.
- Nuts & Seeds:
- Swap almonds for walnuts, pecans, or chopped hazelnuts.
- Add a sprinkle of chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds for extra nutrients and texture.
- Nut butters like almond butter or peanut butter (in moderation to keep calories low) can be swirled in for creaminess and flavour.
- Sweeteners & Spices:
- Use a different sweetener like stevia or erythritol to reduce sugar content.
- Try different spices like cardamom, allspice, or pumpkin pie spice.
- Add a pinch of salt to the quinoa while cooking to enhance the flavours.
- Liquids:
- Use regular milk or oat milk instead of almond milk.
- For a richer flavour, use a combination of milk and a little bit of coconut milk (again, in moderation to keep calories low).
What to Eat with Your Warm Breakfast Bowl:
This Warm Cinnamon Quinoa & Almond Breakfast Bowl is delicious and satisfying on its own, but you can also enjoy it with:
- A cup of herbal tea: Cinnamon or chai tea would be a lovely pairing to enhance the warm spices.
- A side of yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt can add a cool and creamy contrast.
- A sprinkle of granola: For extra crunch, add a tablespoon of low-sugar granola.
- Fruit salad: A small bowl of fresh fruit salad can add extra vitamins and freshness.
Is this Bowl Right for My Diet?
This Warm Cinnamon Quinoa & Almond Breakfast Bowl can be adapted for various diets:
- Vegetarian: Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian.
- Vegan: Yes, if you use maple syrup or another plant-based sweetener instead of honey.
- Gluten-Free: Yes! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your almond milk is certified gluten-free if you are very sensitive.
- Dairy-Free: Yes! This recipe is dairy-free as written, using almond milk.
- Calorie-Conscious: Yes! At under 250 calories per serving, this is a great option for a healthy and light breakfast.
Enjoy your cozy and nutritious Warm Cinnamon Quinoa & Almond Breakfast Bowl!
