Quirky Quinoa Porridge

This porridge recipe is comforting on those cold winter mornings, gluten free and packed with protein, fibre, and fatty acids this recipe is both naturally sweet and good for your body, especially encouraging weight loss!

Ingredients:

1 cup of milk of your choice (preferably A2 or unsweetened almond milk)

1 cup of lukewarm water

½ cup of quinoa

2 grated apples with skin – we need that fibre!

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ of a whole vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbl LSA mix – a combination of linseed, sunflower seed and almond meal

Method:

Rinse ½ cup of quinoa thoroughly under cold water to ensure the removal of saponins. Saponins are a natural chemical compound found in a range of plant species including legumes such as soya beans, lentils and chick peas. Most store bought brands of quinoa are already rinsed but giving them a second rinse over ensures the removal of their bitter coating.

Place the rinsed quinoa in a saucepan and add 1 cup of water, place on the saucepan lid and bring to the boil, cooking for 10 minutes.

Once soft add 1 cup of milk, 2 grated apples, ½ tsp of cinnamon, 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 2 tbls of LSA. Stir occasionally and cook for 5 minutes until creamy, add additional milk if needed, spoon into bowls to serve.

Top with some pumpkin or chia seeds for some additional crunch, fibre and protein!

Benefits of this remarkable porridge:

Milks are a fantastic way to add calcium and protein to our diets, low fat is best and a2 milk is preferable as it is easier to digest. These days a number of milk options are available including almond, rice or coconut with their own individual health benefits.

Quinoa is a fantastic source of protein containing essential amino acids that are essential for muscle building and repair. A substitute for gluten grains such as cous cous or oats, quinoa has a low GI and therefore helps to maintain blood sugar levels and assists cardiovascular health, while also being high in magnesium and phosphorus!

Apples are a fantastic natural sweetener that can be added to a range of meals including salads and rice dishes.

Cinnamon is an amazing spice that has been found to control blood sugar levels especially for diabetics, while also acting to suppress our sugar cravings.

Vanilla bean or vanilla extract contain antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory. The real vanilla bean itself is the most beneficial, but extract can be a cheaper alternative, just be sure not to use essence as it’s an imitation product with no health benefits.

LSA mix is an amazing way to add fibre, protein and essential fatty acids to the diet, it can be added to almost everything including smoothies, muffins, cereals or muesli.