I love a nice oatmeal in the morning. I often alternate between regular and chocolate. But why not switch up not just the flavor, but the grain (or should I say, pseudo-grain?) you’re using as well? Quinoa is a tasty and nutritious alternative to regular oats for breakfast.

Quinoa For Breakfast?

I especially like this chocolate version (I am a chocolate fiend, after all). The quinoa becomes soft and creamy as it cooks, while the cocoa adds a rich chocolate flavor. Chia seeds help thicken everything and give the quinoa ‘oatmeal’ an even creamier texture.

I sweeten it with a little maple syrup and add some almond or hazelnut butter. Both work well here, so just use whichever one you have at home. Hazelnut butter gives it a slightly more decadent chocolate-hazelnut flavor.

Quinoa is also a nice addition to your breakfast from a nutritional point of view. It provides plant-based protein and fiber, as well as minerals like magnesium and iron. It also contains all nine essential amino acids.

Chia seeds add even more fiber and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. Nut butter contributes healthy fats and some protein. It also makes the bowl more satisfying and adds a lovely creamy texture.

Of course, you don’t have to think about any of that while eating it. It’s simply a really cozy breakfast that happens to contain some pretty nutritious ingredients!

Chocolate and Raspberries – A Match Made In Heaven

My go-to topping for this chocolate quinoa breakfast bowl are raspberries. I usually thaw some frozen ones. I do like the texture of fresh raspberries better, but thawed frozen berries come with all that lovely juiciness that is just perfect over oatmeal or quinoa oatmeal. The slight tartness of raspberries is perfect combined with the rich chocolate flavor. Of course, you couldn’t go wrong with other fruit like cherries or bananas, either!

I also add hemp seeds and maybe another drizzle of maple syrup. Here are some other lovely topping ideas:

chopped nuts or seeds
chocolate chips
dark chocolate, a square sunk into the middle of the chocolate quinoa breakfast bowl
cacao nibs
dried fruit, like goji berries or cranberries
coconut flakes

How To Make This Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

This recipe is very simple. First, you cook the quinoa with some water until it’s almost done. Then you add the rest of the ingredients and cook for a few more minutes. You could also add everything to the pot right at the beginning, but I find the quinoa takes longer to cook in that case. Which is why I start cooking it with just water.

For extra creaminess, you could omit the water and use only non-dairy milk. Be extra careful not to burn in this case. And, like I said, it might take a few minutes longer than the water version.

Check for thickness when the quinoa is done. You can add a little more plant milk if the porridge is too thick for your liking. If it’s too runny, simple let it simmer for a few more minutes, stirring frequently.

The Perfect Meal Prep Breakfast

This is perfect for meal prep as well. Simply make it in the evening and store it in the fridge for the morning. You could also store it in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. Just note that the quinoa will thicken as it sits. Simply add a splash of plant-based milk when reheating to bring back that perfectly creamy consistency.

If you make this, let me know what you think in the comments! I’d love to hear from you.

Love chocolate for breakfast or any other time of the day? Why not try my Chocolate Raspberry Oatmeal or Chocolate Chia Pudding as well?