Dark Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
User Reviews
4.9
Dark Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Description
The Dark Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl uses white quinoa carefully toasted before simmering in a mixture of almond and coconut milks. The addition of unsweetened cocoa powder and sweet maple syrup enriches the quinoa with deep chocolate tones. Chopped squares of dark chocolate melting through the warm bowl provide extra bursts of bittersweet flavor. Rinsing quinoa thoroughly and simmering uncovered maintains a slightly soft but textured grain. Optional toppings like mixed berries, sliced banana, coconut sugar, and hemp seeds contribute contrasting flavors and textures, complementing the gentle creaminess of the base. The bowl serves as a nourishing, chocolate-infused breakfast alternative suitable for those seeking plant-based or dairy-free options.
The recipe involves toasting the quinoa to dry it and add nuttiness before simmering with plant milks and a pinch of salt. Once cooked tender, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract are stirred in to create a rich, sweetened base. Adjusting the cocoa and syrup levels allows for control over the intensity of chocolate flavor. Additional almond milk can be used to thin the consistency if desired. Serving with fresh fruit and seeds introduces brightness and bite, enhancing each spoonful of the velvety breakfast bowl.
Careful rinsing of quinoa to remove debris and slight toasting improve texture and flavor. The maple syrup here can be swapped with coconut sugar but changes sweetness slightly. Nutrition facts do not include extra chocolate or toppings, so these add-ins will modify the final calorie count.
Ingredients
QUINOA BOWL
- 1 cup white quinoa uncooked
- 1 cup almond milk plus more for serving, unsweetened
- 1 cup coconut milk (light canned, or the beverage in a carton)
- 1 pinch salt sea salt
- 2 Tbsp cocoa powder unsweetened
- 2-3 Tbsp maple syrup or coconut sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract optional, pure
- 3-4 quares dark chocolate roughly chopped, vegan
FOR SERVING optional
- mixed berries
- banana sliced
- coconut sugar
- hemp seeds or chia seeds
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse quinoa in a fine mesh strainer for 2 minutes, using your hands to sort through and pick out any discolored pieces or pebbles that may remain.
- Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add rinsed, drained quinoa and toast for 3 minutes, stirring frequently, to dry up water and slightly toast.
- Add almond milk, coconut milk, and a pinch of salt, and stir. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally. If it stops simmering, increase heat to medium-low. You’re looking for a slight simmer throughout the cooking time.
- Once the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, remove from heat and add cocoa powder, maple syrup and vanilla (optional). Stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed. Add a bit more almond milk if you prefer the texture thinner. I added more cocoa powder and maple syrup for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Serve each bowl of quinoa with a small square of vegan dark chocolate, and any other desired toppings (listed above). I preferred mine with a bit more coconut milk, hemp seeds, and fresh fruit (optional).
- Best when fresh, though leftovers will keep covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave, or in a small saucepan with additional almond milk to add moisture back in.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove any bitterness and debris before cooking.
- Toast quinoa briefly in a dry pan to enhance its nuttiness and texture.
- Adjust cocoa powder and maple syrup amounts to suit your preferred chocolate intensity and sweetness.
- Additional almond milk can be added after cooking if you prefer a thinner consistency.
- Nutrition information excludes dark chocolate and topping additions.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 236 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 236 | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 40.9g | 14% |
| Protein | 7.5g | 15% |
| Fat | 6.7g | 10% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.1g | 16% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 120mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.