Detox Breakfast - Quinoa Porridge with Sautéed Pears

Who needs oatmeal when you've got quinoa?



While I wasn't sure at first of how I would feel about the texture that quinoa would bring to a porridge, rest assured, this porridge is fantastic! (And detox-friendly!)

The quinoa does add a bit more of a bite than your typical oat-based porridge, but it is just as delicious and super healthy. Cooked with almond milk (or regular milk if you wish, but the almond milk adds another underlying flavour to the porridge), cinnamon and some dried fruits and nuts, and topped with sautéed pears, this is the perfect way to start off your day!




Quinoa Porridge with Sautéed Pears
Adapted from Feasts and Fotos
Serves 2

1/2 cup uncooked quinoa, well rinsed (I used a mix of yellow and red quinoa)
1/2 cup water
1 cup almond milk (or soy or regular milk)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 heaping tablespoon walnuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped
1 heaping tablespoon naturally dried cranberries *
1 heaping tablespoon naturally dried raisins *
1 Bosc pear, peeled, cored and cut into 8 equal pieces
1 teaspoon pure maple syrup (or honey)

Be sure to rinse the quinoa very well. Place the quinoa, water, 1/2 cup almond milk, and cinnamon in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until most of the liquid as been absorbed. Add the rest of the almond milk, the nuts and the dried fruits and let the porridge thicken until your desired thickness.

While the quinoa is simmering, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium. Add the pears and sauté for about 5 minutes, until slight pears are slightly softened and golden on the edges. Drizzle over the maple syrup and let the pears simmer for about 30 seconds, spooning the syrup over the pears.

Divide the porridge into two bowls, and top each bowl with 4 slices of the sauté pears. Drizzle over a little almond milk and maple syrup to finish, and enjoy!

* N.B. Use whatever dried fruits you desire, like chopped dried apricots, dried cherries, dried currants, etc.