Pumpkin Pie Spice Baked Quinoa
Healthy Pumpkin Pie Spice Baked Quinoa with Greek Yogurt Topping
Looking for a delicious and nutritious fall-inspired recipe? This Pumpkin Pie Spice Baked Quinoa is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a perfect breakfast, snack, or even dessert! Top it off with a creamy Greek yogurt mixture for extra protein and flavor. It’s also great for meal prep, so you can enjoy a healthy, convenient option throughout the week.
Enjoy,
SiLLibake
Pumpkin Pie Spice Quinoa Breakfast Bake
This Pumpkin Spice Baked Quinoa is loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert! For an extra boost of protein and flavor, top it with a creamy spiced Greek yogurt mixture. It’s also perfect for meal prep, giving you a healthy and convenient option to enjoy all week long!
Nutritional Benefits of Quinoa:
Quinoa is considered a complete protein. A complete protein contains all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from the diet. Quinoa is one of the few plant-based foods that provide all nine essential amino acids in adequate proportions, making it an excellent source of protein, especially for vegetarians and vegans. This characteristic of quinoa makes it a valuable addition to a balanced diet, as it can help meet the body's protein needs.
Quinoa, a highly nutritious grain-like seed, offers several health benefits when incorporated into baked desserts:
1. High Protein Content: Quinoa is rich in protein, making it an excellent addition to desserts for those looking to increase their protein intake. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
2. Rich in Fiber: Quinoa is a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Including fiber in baked desserts can aid in digestion and promote satiety.
3. Gluten-Free: Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Baked desserts made with quinoa can provide a delicious alternative for those who need to avoid gluten.
4. Packed with Nutrients: Quinoa contains various essential nutrients such as magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and manganese. These nutrients play vital roles in maintaining overall health, including bone health, energy production, and antioxidant function.
5. Low Glycemic Index: Quinoa has a relatively low glycemic index compared to many other grains, which means it doesn't cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for individuals looking to manage their blood sugar levels or those with diabetes.
6. Heart-Healthy: Quinoa contains heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, such as omega-3 fatty acids and flavonoids. Including quinoa in baked desserts may contribute to heart health by reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels.
7. Versatility: Quinoa can be incorporated into various dessert recipes, such as cookies, cakes, and muffins, providing a nutritious twist to traditional treats without compromising flavor or texture.
Overall, adding quinoa to baked desserts not only enhances their nutritional profile but also offers a unique flavor and texture while contributing to overall health and well-being.
Pumpkin offers a variety of health benefits due to its rich nutrient profile:
High in Vitamins: Pumpkin is an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports eye health, boosts immunity, and promotes healthy skin. It also contains vitamins C and E, which have antioxidant properties.
Rich in Fiber: The fiber in pumpkin aids digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and can promote a feeling of fullness, which may aid in weight management.
Low in Calories: Despite being nutrient-dense, pumpkin is low in calories, making it a great addition to meals if you're looking to maintain or lose weight.
High in Antioxidants: Pumpkin contains beta-carotene and other antioxidants that help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers by neutralizing free radicals.
Supports Heart Health: Potassium and antioxidants found in pumpkin help reduce blood pressure and support overall cardiovascular health.
Boosts Immunity: The combination of vitamins A and C, along with the antioxidants in pumpkin, can strengthen the immune system and help fight infections.
Overall, pumpkin is a versatile, nutrient-packed food that provides a variety of health benefits.
This Pumpkin Pie Spice Baked Quinoa is not just a delightful treat but a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for meal prepping. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or after being stored in the fridge, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the health benefits it offers. With this recipe, you’re not just treating yourself to a delicious meal but also nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Quinoa Bake
PREP TIME: 5 MIN
COOK TIME: 50-60 MIN
SERVING: 8
Pumpkin Pie Spice Quinoa Breakfast Bake
Craving a delicious and nutritious fall-inspired dish? This Pumpkin Spice Quinoa Bake is loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert! For an extra boost of protein and flavor, top it with a creamy Greek yogurt mixture. It’s also perfect for meal prep, giving you a healthy and convenient option to enjoy all week long.
Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin puree (or mashed sweet potato)
1 cup quinoa (rinsed until water runs clear)
2 tbsp melted butter (or nut or seed butter)
2 cups milk of choice (I used 1 cup organic soy, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk), room temperature
2 eggs, room temperature
2 tbsp sweetener (I used maple syrup)
2 tbsp ground flax seed
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp sea salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (optional, I use Sunwarrior Vanilla)
2 tbsp Raw Pecans (optional or walnuts, pumpkin seeds)
Pumpkin Pie Greek Yogurt:
½ cup Greek yogurt (or yogurt of choice)
1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
Pinch of Pumpkin Pie Spice
½ tsp vanilla
Pumpkin Pie Spice Mix:
3 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground clove
*Add all spices to a jar with lid, mix and store in your pantry for up to 1 year.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375F, you can use a 9x9 pan (you will need to cover it with foil for baking) or use a medium size Dutch Oven, or an oven safe pot with lid. I like to grease the bottom of the pan or pot with butter.
2. Add your pumpkin to the bottom of the pan, add your melted butter, milk, eggs, sweetener of choice, ground flax seed, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, vanilla & protein powder(optional). Whisk everything until well incorporated. Then add your rinsed quinoa, stir through
3. Ensure all the quinoa is submerged in liquid.
5. Top with 1/3 cup of chopped raw pecans, optional.
Pumpkin Spice Baked Quinoa
6. Put the lid on or cover tightly with foil
7. Place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.
8. Enjoy with a serving of pumpkin spiced greek yogurt. To make pumpkin spiced greek yogurt, add all the ingredients to a bowl, stir and serve with Pumpkin Spiced Baked Quinoa.
Nutrition(Approximate) with Greek Yogurt Topping: 1 serving
Calories: 226 kcal | Fat: 7.6g | Carbs: 22g | Fiber: 2g | Protein: 16.6g
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