I made up a version of this cereal on a weekend trip with my girlfriends this summer. It was a hit with them, and reminiscing about good times last week, I realized I should share it with YU—just amped up with amaranth, raw pecans and dried organic cherries this time. This cereal tastes a lot like buttery cinnamon toast, which reminds me of my grandmother, which is why I chose her vintage bowl for this shot. Now, if only I could find the fun green cinnamon/sugar shakers that she used to have around for us…
Quinoa is a complete protein staple in my kitchen since it can be used in so many different ways (savory and sweet), it is easy to prepare and it can be found inexpensively in the bulk section at my grocery store. Amaranth is another protein-packed favorite of mine, and on days when I eat at least one of these ancient supergrains, my workouts are incredible and my recovery is quick. Give it a try!
Ingredients
- 2/3 to 1 cup quinoa, soaked (read about why you should soak quinoa. I usually soak a bowl before bed and they’re ready in the a.m.)
- 1/3 cup amaranth
- 2 cups pure water
- 1 dash pink Himalayan or Celtic sea salt
- 2 tbsp cold-pressed virgin coconut oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp organic maple syrup (grade B is most nutritious)
Instructions
- Bring water, amaranth and quinoa to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10-20 minutes (soaked quinoa takes less time to cook than unsoaked) until all water is absorbed. Try to only peek once at the 10 minute mark, the steam is important part of cooking and you want to keep the temp as consistent as possible while you cook. This is why I like a glass lid—so you can see what’s cookin’. Once all water is absorbed, turn off heat and let sit for 2-5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Stir in maple syrup, dash salt and coconut oil. If you’d like, add the pecans, cherries and/or sucanat. I like to eat this cereal without milk, but it tastes delicious with coconut milk if you’d like to try it that way.
- Cereal keeps for up to one week in an airtight glass jar in the fridge.
