A breakfast grain bowl is the ultimate way to start your day right! Packed with nourishing grains, luscious berries, and a hint of spice, it’s a delightful and wholesome breakfast option that feels like a comforting hug on a plate.
This recipe highlights solutions for blandness, lack of energy, and limited texture commonly found in traditional breakfast bowls.
I often find myself rushed in the mornings, juggling kids and a busy schedule. Sometimes my breakfast ends up being just a quick coffee. This recipe helps solve the dilemma of busy days by offering a nutritious meal that I can prep in advance. Plus, I love how it fills the kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and ginger while cooking.
This recipe is straightforward and reliable, just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, and you’re all set. You’ll be rewarded with a warm and textured bowl of goodness that is not only healthy but also customizable. If you’re looking for something to brighten your morning, this grain bowl might just become a regular on your table.
If you love a satisfying breakfast, you might also enjoy my Broccolini Frittata. It’s another fantastic option that pairs well with morning routines.
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Nutritious Grains , This bowl uses millet, quinoa, and steel-cut oats, all packed with fiber and protein, making it a fantastic start to your day and a great way to stay fueled.
- Refreshing Citrus Kick , The addition of orange juice and zest brightens up the flavors beautifully, adding a refreshing twist that perfectly complements the sweetness of the berries.
- Textural Variety , With a mix of crunchy walnuts and soft berries, the bowl offers an enjoyable mix of textures that makes every bite interesting, ensuring you won’t get bored.
- Make Ahead Option , This breakfast grain bowl can be chilled overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen, making it a convenient option for busy mornings or meal prepping for the week.
Berry Breakfast Grain Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Simmering and Toasting
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and nutritious berry breakfast grain bowl packed with flavors and spices, perfect for a healthy start to your day.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (43 g) millet, rinsed
- 1/4 cup (27 g) steel cut oats, rinsed
- 1/4 cup (43 g) quinoa, rinsed
- 1/2 tablespoon (7 g) coconut oil
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 inch (2.5 cm) fresh ginger, sliced
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup (60 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon (20 g) maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) cinnamon
- 1 cup (150 g) blueberries
- 3/4 cup (115 g) blackberries
- 1/3 cup (35 g) walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the quinoa, millet, and steel cut oats under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps prevent a gummy texture.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1/2 tablespoon of coconut oil until fully liquid.
- Step 3: Add the rinsed millet, steel cut oats, quinoa, orange zest, and 1-inch sliced ginger to the saucepan. Toast the mixture, stirring frequently for 3 minutes until you smell a warm, nutty aroma.
- Step 4: Pour in 1 cup water and 1/2 cup orange juice. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then cover the pan tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to a low simmer.
- Step 5: Simmer the grains for 20 to 25 minutes until the liquid is fully absorbed. Check for doneness by tasting the grains: they should be tender but still slightly chewy. If too hard, add a splash of water and simmer longer.
- Step 6: Remove the pan from heat and spread the cooked grain mixture evenly on a baking sheet to cool. This stops the cooking process and prevents clumping for a fluffy texture.
- Step 7: Remove and discard the sliced ginger from the grain mixture.
- Step 8: Transfer the cooled grains to a medium bowl. Add 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and the juice of the orange (from zested orange). Mix gently to combine without breaking the grains.
- Step 9: Carefully fold in 1 cup blueberries and 3/4 cup blackberries, taking care not to crush the berries to maintain their shape.
- Step 10: Sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped walnuts over the top to add crunch and nutrition.
- Step 11: Enjoy the bowl immediately or refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or overnight to allow the flavors to deepen. Chilling also helps the oats soak up the creamy yogurt and syrup.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat, for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stir gently before serving.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating.
- Rinsing grains thoroughly prevents a gummy texture by removing excess starch.
- Toasting the grains with coconut oil releases nutty aromas and adds depth.
- Use a tightly fitting lid when simmering to keep steam in and cook the grains evenly.
- If grains are undercooked, add a bit more water and simmer on low heat until tender.
- To prevent watery grain bowls, simmer uncovered for up to 5 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
- Fold berries gently just before serving or chilling to avoid breaking them.
- Store yogurt separately when prepping ahead and combine immediately before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Ingredient Notes
- Whole grains: I recommend using a mix of rolled oats and quinoa for a hearty base. They add wholesome texture and keep you satisfied longer.
- Greek yogurt: Use plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for creaminess and protein. It balances the sweetness of the berries and makes the bowl feel indulgent.
- Mixed berries: Fresh or frozen works well here. Look for vibrant colors and avoid mushy ones. They bring natural sweetness and a burst of flavor to each bite.
- Honey: Go for a good quality honey that’s raw or unfiltered; it adds a lovely sweetness. Maple syrup is a great substitute if you prefer a different flavor.
- Chopped nuts: Almonds or walnuts are great choices for crunch. Make sure they’re unsalted to avoid any overpowering flavors that might compete with the berries.
- Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon adds warmth and depth. Opt for fresh ground if possible, as it has a brighter flavor than older store-bought varieties.
Recipe Tips
- If your grains aren’t cooking properly, ensure to bring the mixture to a boil for at least 5 minutes before reducing the heat.
- For a drier consistency, remove the grains from heat 2-3 minutes earlier than the recommended 20-25 minutes cooking time.
- If you notice the mixture is too watery, simmer without a lid for an additional 5 minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- When preparing the dish ahead, store the yogurt separately and mix it in just before serving for optimal taste and texture.
- If you’re including blueberries and blackberries, gently fold them in just before serving to avoid breaking them apart in the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the berry breakfast grain bowl with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or almond yogurt for a creamy touch. A sprinkle of crushed walnuts or pumpkin seeds adds a nice crunch while boosting nutrition.
Use the berry breakfast grain bowl to make a delicious berry parfait. Layer with almond milk chia pudding or serve alongside healthy pancakes to create a fun breakfast spread.
Top with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to enhance the natural sweetness. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth to the dish as well.
Recipe variations
- You can use millet, steel cut oats, and quinoa equally at 1/4 cup each as the grain base for the berry breakfast grain bowl, providing a hearty texture.
- Add 1/2 tablespoon coconut oil for toasting, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, zest of 1 orange, and 1-inch sliced fresh ginger to create a spiced and fragrant grain mixture.
- Either plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative at 1/4 cup can be stirred into the cooled grains along with 1 tablespoon maple syrup for creaminess and sweetness.
- If preparing for more servings, double or triple all grain quantities and liquids, cooking them in batches; walnuts can be increased to 1/3 cup plus for topping. This pairs well with beverages like Paradise Drink.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your berry breakfast grain bowl fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.
Refrigeration: Place the grain bowl in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Stir gently before serving.
Freezing: Transfer to a freezer container or bag and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before consuming.
If you enjoyed this berry breakfast grain bowl or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
