Quinoa Porridge [GF]

If you’re looking for an alternative to oats, I have you covered!

This alternative ‘porridge’ is delicious and packed full of nutrients. Quinoa is a seed that is prepared and eaten like a grain. It’s a ‘complete protein’, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot make on it’s own. Quinoa is also high in fibre to support a healthy digestive system and a happy gut microbiome.

Whilst quinoa doesn’t taste like oats, it’s one of my preferred ‘porridge’ alternatives with a pleasant taste and texture in it’s own right. Similar to oats, you can experiment with toppings. My go-to is stewing green apple into the porridge for the last 5 minutes of simmering and adding a little bit of cinnamon. My other favourite topping is a handful of berries!

Gluten Free

Quinoa is also naturally gluten free, making it a wonderful addition for those with coeliac disease or non-coeliac gluten sensitivity. It’s one of my gluten free pantry staples that I use frequently for both sweet and savoury meals and snacks. For a sweet quinoa-based energy ball, check out my quinoa and chocolate energy balls and for something savoury I highly recommend ‘easy quinoa salad’ recipe by Eating Bird Food.

LOW FODMAP

Monash has tested quinoa and found it safe to eat on the low FODMAP diet. Cook it with water and serve it with lactose-free milk and blueberries/strawberries, just be mindful of serving sizes.

RPAH/FAILSAFE DIET

Quinoa is suitable for the FAILSAFE diet, as well as maple syrup (however make sure it is pure maple syrup). Serve with milk and top it with pear, or a ‘moderate’ fruit that your dietitian has approved, (e.g. red delicious apples).

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Looking for more breakfast inspiration? Check out my post on quick and healthy breakfast ideas. And if you’re after some gluten-free ideas, check out my zucchini slice or chia seed pudding. As always, feel free to tag me (@chantelouisee) in any recipes you make!