Cacao & Hemp Quinoa Breakfast Bowl {Gluten-Free & Vegan}

This post is part of our restricted diet series from Beth of Tasty Yummies.

I have found myself forced to get creative with my food, once again… I am currently in the middle of an elimination diet under the guidance of my naturopathic doctor to treat a recently diagnosed autoimmune condition. I am looking at meals in new ways, finding inspiration in unsuspecting places and generally seeking that silver lining during a difficult time.

I have to admit that breakfast has been one of the most challenging meals of the day for me. In the winter months, I am not very interested in cold smoothies or juices to start my day, and I generally find myself wanting something heartier, yet still easy to make. Most days I would start with some fresh greens or broccoli sautéed and topped with a poached or over-medium egg, maybe some sweet potatoes or squash. But since eggs are currently cut out of my diet right now and I tend to avoid overly carb-loaded breakfasts of cereal or breads, I have been feeling a tad uninspired. Until now.

This Cacao & Hemp Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is a fun and unique version of your standard, run of the mill oatmeal or porridge. Plus it’s loaded with nutritional goodness thanks to some really great superfoods. The quinoa and hemp are amazing sources of plant-based protein, in fact both hemp and quinoa are considered to be complete proteins, containing all of the essential amino acids that we need. Quinoa and hemp are also nutrient rich, loaded with minerals and antioxidants, and so much more. Plus hemp is also a great source of Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids. On top of all of this goodness, adding cacao boosts the nutritional profile and superfood status of this breakfast and of course, you can never ever go wrong with chocolate for breakfast! Finally, have fun with your toppings and add what you love most.

The best part of this recipe is the leftover Cacao Hemp Milk you’ll have; it’s great in smoothies, lattes or just for drinking as is.

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Cacao & Hemp Quinoa Breakfast Bowl {Gluten-Free & Vegan}

Cacao Hemp Milk

Makes approximately 1 quart

  • 4 cups filtered water
  • 1 cup hemp seeds
  • 1/4 cup raw cacao
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 Medjool dates (you can also use whatever sweetener you prefer, as much or as little as you’d like)

Place all of the ingredients in your high-speed blender. Blend on a high speed until smooth and creamy. Strain using a nut milk bag or consume unstrained for the full nutritional benefits of the hemp seeds. Store in a tightly sealed glass jar for 3 to 5 days.

Cacao & Hemp Quinoa Breakfast Bowl {Gluten-Free & Vegan}

Serves 1

  • 3/4-1 cup cooked quinoa, warm
  • 1 cup cacao hemp milk (above), or other non-dairy milk of your choice
  • 1/2 banana, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon dried superfood berries (goji, acai, mulberries, etc)
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa nibs
  • 1 teaspoon hemp seeds

Optional Sweetener:

honey, maple syrup, coconut nectar, coconut sugar, brown sugar, etc

Optional Add-ins:

  • Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, etc
  • Your favorite fresh or dried fruit
  • Toasted nuts or seeds
  • Toasted coconut chips or shredded coconut

Add the warm quinoa to a serving bowl, pour the cacao hemp milk over top. Top with fruit, cacao nibs, hemp seeds and any other toppings you’d like. Give it a taste and drizzle a little sweetener over top if you’d like it a little sweeter.

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For more of Beth’s recipes visit her blog Tasty Yummies.

More healthy recipes from the BLDG 25 Blog.

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9 years ago

This looks amazing and so good for you! Love banana.

Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com

9 years ago

this looks insanely good!!

https://aspoonfulofnature.wordpress.com/

Jen
9 years ago

Good idea!
It looks like very healthy.

http://www.safran-bolu.com

Natasha
9 years ago

Just made this for breakfast for myself and my kids – we all loved it! It’s very filling and so delicious.

9 years ago

Oh. my. gosh. this looks so good!!! My husband and I are going on a vegan cleanse so this is lookin pretty doable!

-Elyse

This looks so tasty and healthy. The photo is stunning, I especially love how the cacoa hemp milk looks nice and bubbly, beautiful. I’m not a huge fan of quinoa as a sweetish breakfast “cereal”, but I think I’ll just have to try this with my new favorite “seed grain”, buckwheat groats. I’ve been experimenting more and more with gluten free recipes myself and considering trying to eliminate it all together to see if that would help improve my digestive health. I appreciate all your inspiration and honesty as you continue on your own journey towards good health. If you want to check out what I’m doing with gluten free and other mostly vegetarian/vegan recipes, you can find me at http://www.sweetgreenkitchen.com. Best of luck with your health and thanks for sharing so many great recipes!

9 years ago

Breakfast is difficult for me too — it needs to be quick, delicious, and not boring (same thing every day). I’ve cut out bread myself so my previous favorite of veggie + fried egg + toast is no longer an option. Thanks for sharing this recipe, it sounds healthy and tasty — what a great idea! Something I’ve been loving lately is chia seeds with water or almond milk, raw cocoa nibs, goji berries, nuts and seeds. Soak for ten minutes and then go to town — keep it stored dry in a mason jar, and its great for traveling!
=)

http://www.threadandbones.com

9 years ago

I have an auto immune condition as well and have recently had to cut out a lot of foods including gluten, dairy and eggs. It’s tough totally readjusting the way you eat but once you see how it makes you feel better it gets easier and finding new favourites is always fun! I will have to give this a try but without the bananas (can’t have those either). Thanks for sharing!