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Anyone who knows me can tell you that I’m definitely not a morning person. But there’s nothing quite like beginning your day with a warm, nourishing breakfast that fuels both body and soul. This Hot Cereal Mix with Oats, Quinoa, Chia Seeds, and Raisins is the perfect morning meal to kickstart your day with a delicious burst of energy.
Why This Cereal is a Game-Changer
This homemade hot cereal mix is a fantastic way to incorporate a variety of superfoods into your diet. Oats provide heart-healthy fiber, quinoa is a complete protein, chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and raisins add a touch of natural sweetness. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Enjoy it plain, or customize it with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Ingredients
This wholesome cereal blend is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that provide a healthy, satisfying start to your morning. You will need just a few pantry staples to make this recipe.
- Oats: A source of heart-healthy fiber, which can help regulate digestion and keep you feeling full longer.
- Quinoa: A complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids your body needs. It’s also a good source of iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.
- Chia seeds: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health and reducing inflammation.
- Raisins: Add a touch of natural sweetness and provide a good source of antioxidants.
- Cinnamon: For a warm flavor and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Make a Bowl of Oatmeal with Quinoa
To prepare your hot cereal mix in advance, simply combine the oats, quinoa, raisins, chia seeds and cinnamon in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place.
When you’re ready to enjoy a bowl, scoop out your desired portion, add it to a saucepan, and cook with the liquid of your choice—such as water, dairy milk, soy milk, or almond milk—over medium heat until the mixture is thickened and the grains are tender, usually about 15 minutes. Let it rest for a few more minutes to allow the mix to finish thickening. Add your toppings of choice and enjoy!
You can also cook a larger batch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, then reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick and nutritious breakfast on busy mornings.
Tips and Customization
- The rate at which the cereal absorbs liquid can vary depending on whether you use water, milk, or plant-based milk. For a thicker cereal, use less liquid. Stir in additional liquid if needed.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Top your Oatmeal with Quinoa and Chia Seeds with sliced bananas, berries, or apples for added flavor and nutrition.
- Top with Greek yogurt for a creamy texture, tangy flavor, and an extra dose of protein. It also adds calcium and probiotics for a nutritional boost.
- Add a spoonful of nut butter for extra protein, creaminess and healthy fats.
- Experiment with different dried fruit such as cranberries, apricots, or cherries.
- Vary your nuts.
- Try a different spice like a pinch of cardamom, ginger or nutmeg.
Conclusion
This Oatmeal with Quinoa and Chia Seeds is more than just breakfast; it’s a bowl of warmth and wellness that sets a positive tone for the day ahead. Whether you’re rushing out the door or enjoying a leisurely morning, this recipe is a versatile and satisfying way to fuel your body and embrace the day.
Try it out, and let me know in the comments how you’ve made it your own!
More Healthy Breakfast Recipes
Banana Walnut Bread with Olive Oil and Honey
Easy and Healthy Vegan Granola
Oatmeal with Quinoa and Chia Seeds
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup mixed color quinoa
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Optional Toppings
- Greek yogurt
- Nuts
- Fresh or dried fruit
- Maple syrup or honey
Instructions
To make the hot cereal dry mix:
- Measure oats, quinoa, raisins, chia seeds and cinnamon and combine in a large bowl. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
To make 1 serving of hot cereal:
- Combine 1/3 cup of the mix with 1 cup of liquid (water, milk, or plant-based milk) in a saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, partially cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. The mix will continue thickening.
- Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Nutrition facts are based on cooking the oatmeal and quinoa mix in water and do not include any optional toppings.
- The rate at which the cereal absorbs liquid can vary depending on whether you use water, milk, or plant-based milk. For a thicker cereal, use less liquid. Stir in additional liquid if needed.
- You can also cook a larger batch ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator, then reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick and nutritious breakfast on busy mornings.
