Quinoa Berry Bake

I saw this recipe for a healthy filling breakfast go down my Instagram feed one day - posted by @vegan.challenge.club - and knew I had to try it. For the last couple years I have focused my morning meal on a protein shake with fresh fruit, spinach, kefir and a protein powder maxed out with vitamins and minerals. I had become bored and needed to mix things up, but wasn't sure what I wanted to replace the shake with.

This recipe is super easy. All you do is mash the bananas, stir in the rest of the ingredients, bake, then serve warm with topping. For me that meant zero fat vanilla Greek Yogurt and fresh berries. This is a very filling heavier breakfast, so smaller portions are a good idea to start.  I scooped out a serving to eat immediately and put a second in the fridge for the next day. Then broke the rest of the dish into single serving Ziploc bags which I tucked in the freezer.

After a few days, I decided I might want to alternate days with the less heavy protein drink on one and the more filling quinoa bake on the next. Both are healthy and delicious, but I like variety and know it’s is always a great idea to eat as diverse a diet as possible.  

I made a slight change in the directions to make it easier to incorporate the cinnamon by adding it to the mashed bananas before adding the other ingredients, and increased the amount of berries to 2 cups. This dish is best served warm topped with fresh fruit and yogurt or cream. Enjoy!

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Quinoa Berry Bake

Ingredients - 

2                         Bananas
1 C                      Quinoa
2 T                      Chia seeds
2 C                      Almond milk
2 tsp                    Cinnamon
2 tsp                    Vanilla
2 T                      Maple syrup
2 C                      Mixed berries or other fresh fruit

Instructions - 

Preheat over to 375 degrees. 

Mash the bananas. Mix in the cinnamon. Add the rest of the ingredients except the fruit and whisk until well combined. Gently stir in fruit. Place in a prepared pan (I used cooking spray). Bake for 1 hour. 

Serve with yogurt and other toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds. I liked mixed berries and next time I'm going to add chopped pistachios!