Warm Farro and Quinoa Breakfast Bowls

I was raised on that familiar old adage telling us that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. The same way that my parents made sure I knew it, I make sure my kids know it. I'm a firm believer that you just can't concentrate on an empty stomach—especially when it's grumbling out loud. I don't think that breakfast always has to be the same thing. One day you may want bacon, eggs, and toast...the next day you may need a waffle more than life itself...and the next you might be in the mood for some yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit.

And since the list of breakfast possibilities is endless, you don't have to get bored. One of my favorite meals on a cooler (or downright freezing) days was a bowl of warm oatmeal. While some may consider oatmeal boring, I tend to disagree. It's a neutral palate just waiting to be dressed up. But if I still can't convince you of that, how about a different kind of warm porridge to start your day? Today I'm partnering with Village Harvest to tell you how to make a nourishing bowl to start your day right! Village Harvest Rice & Grains make it easy to stay on track and keep a healthy lifestyle in the new year and beyond with their natural, unprocessed rice and grains.

If I had to choose a favorite whole grain, it would be farro. Farro is an ancient grain which has two times the protein (7 grams per serving) and fiber as modern wheat, plus vitamin B3, which aids in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Why reserve such an amazing source or nutrition for lunch or dinner? Making a warm bowl of creamy farro porridge is the perfect way to prepare your mind and your body for a productive day!

Village Harvest actually offers a variety of grains that are full of antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins, which can satisfy your desire to explore new flavors and new dishes—for switching up your routine in the morning or any time of the day, the healthy way.

While farro may be my favorite, I mentioned that I like to switch things up to help stave off breakfast boredom. I decided to make chewy, nutty red quinoa into a warm breakfast bowl, as well. Red quinoa offers a healthy balance of essential amino acids, protein and contains almost twice as much fiber as other grains (even though it's technically a seed). Plus, it adds a nice pop of color to any plate or bowl.

The farro porridge is creamy while the red quinoa bowl is fluffier, like a pilaf. And while you may be used to eating it as a savory meal component, pairing it with maple syrup and fresh, naturally sweet fruit actually plays on the nutty aspect of it, which lends itself nicely to a breakfast cereal that nods towards the sweeter side of things. That being said, it would also be amazing topped with some fresh salsa, some sliced avocado, and a poached egg with a liquid gold center.

Not sure where to find Village Harvest? Check out the Village Harvest product locator to find out where you can purchase the farro, quinoa, and other fabulous grains and rice in your area. My topping ideas are simply guidelines (delicious ones, at that), but feel free to play with the toppings your choose. Try different types of milk (dairy, almond, soy, cashew, rice, buttermilk), different seasonal fruits or dried fruits, different types of nuts, add some ground flax seed or sprinkle some chia seeds over the top.

Remember, breakfast is the most important meal of the day—so treat it that way! Make it delicious, make it nourishing, and make it your way.

Warm Farro Breakfast Bowls

by Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Keywords: breakfast entree farro

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 5 cups water
• 1 cup Village Harvest Farro
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

to serve (all approximate - adjust to taste):

• 1 cup milk (dairy or almond)
• 2 clementines, peeled and segmented
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped pineapple, fresh or dried
• 1/2 cup salted, roasted cashews

Instructions

Bring water to a boil, then whisk in the farro and salt; return to a boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring often, until farro is tender and creamy, 35-40 minutes. Let farro sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Divide farro into 4 separate bowls. Pour milk over the farro, then top with the remaining ingredients. Enjoy immediately.

Warm Red Quinoa Breakfast Bowls

by Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes

Keywords: breakfast entree quinoa

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup Village Harvest Red Quinoa
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

to serve (all approximate - adjust to taste):

• 1 cup milk (dairy or almond)
• 2 small bananas, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/4 - 1/2 cup toasted coconut chips or flakes
• 1/2 - 3/4 cup maple syrup or honey

Instructions

Bring water to a boil, then whisk in the quinoa and salt; return to a boil. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring often, until quinoa is tender and fluffy, 15-17 minutes. Let quinoa sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Divide quinoa into 4 separate bowls. Pour milk over the quinoa, then top with the remaining ingredients. Enjoy immediately.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.