Strangely enough, it does rain in San Diego.
Especially when I make something pretty that I need sunlight to take pics of.
Chia pudding, pumpkin… none of that is strange. Adding quinoa to the mix may be a little odd, but it is quite good! (As is the occasional rain.)
Our anti-inflammatory diet experiment had led to a lot of creativity. Since we are grain-free, I’ve been using sweet potato and quinoa as our main carbs. Vegas claims to not like quinoa, so naturally I’ve been sneaking it into everything. Like this pumpkin pie-inspired breakfast.
[Tweet “Quinoa for breakfast? It’s a #StrangeButGood chia pudding #pumpkin pie! #glutenfree #vegan https://www.sprint2thetable.com/2015/10/pumpkin-quinoa-chia-pudding-recipe/”]
Vegas loves pumpkin pie. My idea here was to make this taste like pie so she’d never notice she was eating quinoa. A pie-inspired mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove did the trick. She cleaned her plate martini glass. I’m sure the fact that it was reminiscent of a breakfast martini helped my case too. 😉
Quinoa and chia seeds have a good deal of protein, but I amped it up even further and added a nice vanilla flavor with my favorite vegan rice protein powder. Did I mention this is a vegan and gluten-free recipe too? And it’s good?
Chia pudding is usually done as an overnight recipe, and this would would work well if made the night before. I have to be honest though – I haven’t been the best planner lately. I made this and let it sit and thicken 30 mins while we drank our coffee and checked email.
Worked like a charm.
Pumpkin Quinoa Chia Pudding
- 1 C almond milk
- 1/2 C cooked quinoa
- 1/2 C pumpkin puree
- 1 T chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Pinch ground clove
- 1/4 tsp almond extract
- 1 scoop vanilla rice protein powder
- Stevia, to taste
In a medium bowl, stir all ingredients until incorporated. Divide between two bowls (or martini glasses).
Place in refrigerator and let sit at least 30 mins or overnight. Remove and garnish as desired; I used a mix of coconut flour, almond milk, stevia, and cinnamon to make a coconut “fluff” topping.
Makes 2 servings.
Approximate Nutritionals (without topping): 200 calories, 19g protein, 23g carbs, 5g fiber, 6g sugar, 4g fat, 71g sodium
How have you enjoyed making co-workers, friends, or family stare with strange but good creations this week? The link up rules can be found here or by clicking on “Strange But Good” in the menu bar above. In short, I want to see what concoctions have earned you weird looks from co-workers, family and friends! Post your Strange But Good creations, grab the logo below for your blog, and link up here.
Remember to use #strangebutgood in any Tweets and Instagrams of your creations. 🙂
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Don’t forget to enter the NuNaturals giveaway! It’s what I used in this recipe. 🙂
Have you ever had breakfast quinoa? I did it here too.
Do you like pumpkin pie? I don’t, but I love the spices in it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yet another more appetizing sounding “pudding” recipe. Love quinoa and love pumpkin, so maybe I’ll love the pudding 😉
Laura says
Thank you!!! I hope you do like it. It’ so easy too! 🙂
GiGi Eats says
Screw Quinoa -USE CAULIFLOWER. DUH!
Laura says
Ohhhhh… trying that one next!!!
Angela @ happy fit mama says
Everything is better in a martini glass! I’m not a fan of pumpkin pie either but the spices in it are the best.
Jennifer F says
actually, this sounds really, really good . . . (I might sprinkle mini chocolate chips on the top and yes for breakfast) thanks for the inspiration!
Laura says
Right on! Everything is better with chocolate. 🙂
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
So she bought is or should I say ate it? I made overnight quinoa last night lets see how this turns out!
Laura says
She totally did! How were yours?
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I wasn’t sure what would be the leading texture (chia pudding is one thing, breakfast quinoa is very much another), but now I am so intrigued I might just have to make it 😀 i didn’t like pumpkin pie growing up, but now I love it. And hell yes to the spice mixture!
Lauren says
I’m not yet a quinoa for breakfast convert but I’ll try. Pumpkin chia pudding sounds great!
Laura says
Thanks! I’d love to hear what you think if you do!
rachel @ athletic avocado says
quinoa chia pudding sounds freakin’ awesome! I would love to have this for a tasty dessert-like breakfast 🙂
Alyssa @ Renaissancerunnergirl says
This looks awesome! I’m actually starting to cut back on dairy, and other inflammatory items, because of some health issues I’ve been having lately. I will definitely be trying this with coconut milk (it’s tougher for me because I am not only GF, but allergic to tree nuts and avocadoes AKA things bloggers eat and use in recipes all the time!)
Laura says
Oh man… that would be rough. Can you have coconut or does that count as a nut?
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig says
I miss quinoa! It’s hard to find over here and not exactly the top of my priority list when I have delicious pasta and bread to devour instead. Maybe when I get to France…. if I’m not distracted by more bread and croissants.
Laura says
Ohhhh… crepes…
Aubrey says
This looks delicious! So my kind of recipe!!:)
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Interesting combo! I can’t seem to get past the chia pets and eat chia seeds 🙂
Laura says
Haha! That’s the first thing Vegas asked me – if they were the same.
Myra says
Great combo…especially for breakfast 🙂
Laura says
Thanks Myra!
Kanoelani says
Mmmm I love chia pudding… And quinoa too I must try this. And pumpkin pie I’m a sucker for that as well. I like a good sweet potato pie as well hahha 😉
Laura says
I dunno… maybe it’s a texture thing? I love the flavors but the actual pie? Nothankyou.
Heather@hungryforbalance says
I am a fan of all things pumpkin (and quinoa). I love the martini glass presentation. It would make me feel extra fancy!
Laura says
Pinkies out!
lindsay says
yes, love it! go vegas on the pie and the hot housewife who makes it healthy. ahem.. YOu!
Laura says
I’m going to give you her number so you can start texting her your comments. 😉
Debra says
Breakfast? I want this for dessert!
Laura says
Any excuse to eat dessert! 🙂
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
This is all the good things in life! Quinoa, pumpkin, deliciousness.
AwesomelyOZ says
The Chia Pudding looks delicious and reminds me I need to buy more Chia seeds >.< Pumpkin pie is amazing though nom nom nom Glad you guys are adapting to your diet well and have a great one Laura! -Iva
Laura says
You and Vegas can share the pie. Haha! Hope you are having a great week!
sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says
My husband isn’t so into the healthy eating foodie experiments I try…like this one…and he often looks at my plate/bowl and says WHAT IS THAT!?! But after 4 years of marriage, he has come a long way and has begun trying many of the dishes as I refuse to make 3 meals – him, me, boys 🙂