Quinoa-Oats Bowl with Dark Chocolate and Fresh Fruits

Happy Hump Day Folks!!
I had no plans to post anything on the blog today, until I woke up to the cold and windy weather. This recipe although not fancy, is super comforting and it would be unfair to not share it with everyone. Its just quinoa cooked with milk of your choice (instead of water) and mixed with cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla and antioxidants (Read: Dark Chocolate) that are much needed to fuel the body. You can make it the night before or few days in advance and store in the refrigerator, and reheat in microwave, with additional milk to add moisture back in and add the toppings just before serving. For toppings, you can add fresh fruits, nuts, dried fruits, chia seeds, flax seeds etc. to make it suitable for your taste buds.

Ingredients
1 Cup White Quinoa, rinsed
1/4 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
1 Cup Whole Milk or Unsweetened Nut Milk
1 Cup Coconut Milk
pinch sea salt
1 Tablespoon Dark, Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, I used Valrhona
1 Teaspoon Organic Maple Syrup or to taste
1/4 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
2-3 Squares Dark Chocolate of your choice
Fruits, Raw Cocoa Nibs and Nuts for Serving

Process

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat add rinsed, drained quinoa and toast for few minutes, stirring frequently, to dry up water and toast.
2. Add milk (both types) along with salt to the pan and bring the mix to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and cook the quinoa for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Add oats to the mix and continue cooking on low for additional 10 minutes or until the quinoa and oats are cooked and there is no liquid in the pan.
3. Remove the pan from heat and stir in cocoa powder, cinnamon, maple syrup and vanilla.
4. Adjust flavor as needed. I like mine less sweet, feel free to add more maple syrup or brown sugar if you want the taste to be sweeter.
5. Serve it warm with fresh fruits, raw cocoa nibs, nuts and chopped dark chocolate.

Enjoy! 🙂