Giada De Laurentiis Warm Quinoa ‘Oatmeal’ Is a ‘Homey, Comforting Breakfast’

TL;DR:

• Giada De Laurentiis’ Warm Quinoa ‘Oatmeal’ is a great alternative to your bowl of morning oats.
• The chef’s recipe for morning quinoa makes a quick breakfast.
• Her recipe received four- and five-star reviews on Food Network’s site.

If you’re stuck in an oatmeal rut for breakfast, Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis‘ Warm Quinoa “Oatmeal” may be just what you need.

Packed with nutrients, a bowl of warm quinoa is just as cozy and nourishing as oatmeal. Try De Laurentiis’ breakfast idea for a quick and simple way to change up your morning routine.

De Laurentiis’ usual breakfast had been another grain altogether

While oatmeal is a typical breakfast for many, De Laurentiis writes in her recent cookbook, Eat Better, Feel Better, that her go-to most mornings was a completely different grain.

“For the longest time, my everyday breakfast was cooked brown rice with a little olive oil and salt because regular oatmeal doesn’t always agree with me,” she wrote.

Once she tried quinoa for breakfast, however, it changed everything, she said: “Now I’ve switched to this homey, comforting breakfast, which has a little more sweetness and flavor. I find a pinch of spice gives it a warm, cozy taste and aroma.”

How to make Giada De Laurentiis’ breakfast recipe

The Simply Giada star’s recipe calls for cooked quinoa, unsweetened almond milk (either homemade or store-bought is fine), mixed fruit, sliced almonds, extra-virgin olive oil, and pure maple syrup. Optionally, she notes, a pinch of flake salt can be added, as well as ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, or cardamom.

De Laurentiis starts this breakfast meal by cooking the quinoa and almond milk in a saucepan for about three minutes. Since the quinoa is already fully cooked, it only needs to be heated with the milk.

That’s it! The milky quinoa can be spooned into one or two bowls and served with any preferred toppings or spices including fruit, nuts, cinnamon, olive oil, or maple syrup.

You can find the complete recipe and reviews on Food Network’s website.

One reviewer seemed kind of surprised at how much they enjoyed De Laurentiis’ Warm Quinoa ‘Oatmeal’

Home cooks who tried the Food Network personality’s breakfast offering returned to the network’s website to leave reviews. Overall, the 16 reviews it has so far received gave the humble dish four- and five-star ratings.

One reviewer expressed their surprise with the recipe: “Enjoyed this more than I expected. I made a cup of quinoa, then portioned it for the rest of the week. I have used bananas, blueberries, cinnamon, and maple syrup so far as mix-ins.”

Another home cook noted that, even if you need to prepare the quinoa, it’s still done in a dash: “Made this for breakfast this morning and it is great, super easy.  Even if you have to make your quinoa same morning, super easy. Add what you want, very filling!  A great healthy, quick breakfast.”

Lastly, a fan of the dish said, “I really liked this recipe! Very filling. I added a little honey and cinnamon while it was cooking. Added mixed berries and plain Greek yogurt before serving. A great healthy way to start your day!!!”

Try Giada De Laurentiis’ Warm Quinoa for your breakfast this week!