Looking for a high protein breakfast to start your day off right but can't (or don't) eat eggs, dairy or gluten? Here's the recipe you've been waiting for! This Killer Grain & Seed Cereal is super simple and high in protein and nutrients. Make a big batch to store in the cupboard for several months. Just add boiling water, top with some delicious tid-bits, and breakfast is served! It's chalk-full of protein by way of hemp hearts, chia seeds, buckwheat and toasted quinoa.

This cereal is so easy to make and you can make enough to last you several months. The "secret" ingredient is toasted quinoa! I'm seriously in love. I put it on everything!

How to make crispy quinoa

First thing's first...you have to rinse your quinoa. Really well. Don't ignore this step or you could have bitter, soapy tasting quinoa. The grains have a natural coating called Saponin that gives the unpleasant taste so this needs to go! If you find pre-rinsed quinoa great! But I would still give it at least a quick rinse just to be sure. Put the quinoa into a fine sieve over a larger bowl. Let cold water run over it for at least 2 minutes, agitating with your hand every so often.

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add rinsed quinoa. Turn heat down to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes. Drain and put back in the pot. Stir in the oil and salt and spread evenly on a baking sheet.

Broil on high, in the top third of oven, for 6-8 minutes, stirring half way through, or until it's popping and getting tanned and crispy. Keep a very close eye on it as you broil, especially the second half. It can start to burn quickly once it starts browning.

Make some extra to toss on salads or roasted vegetables, in soups etc. It adds an amazing crunch to anything and everything...even popcorn or ice cream!

Fun facts about quinoa

• Quinoa is a complete protein which means it contains all 9 essential amino acids which is hard to come by in one single plant food. Quinoa is also high in fiber, B vitamins, iron, magnesium and many other vitamins and minerals.
• Did you know that quinoa isn't actually a grain? It's the seed of a plant that is related to the spinach, beet and chard family.
• Since at least 3000 BC quinoa has been a staple in the diet of the Andean people of South America. The Incas called quinoa "the mother grain" and considered it a sacred food. For them it was as valuable as gold.
• There are over 100 varieties. The most common being white, red and black. The red and black hold their shape a bit better and the black tends to have a sweeter, nuttier taste. The nutritional value is the same for all types.

How to make killer grain & seed cereal

The rest is simple. Take equal parts toasted quinoa, chia seeds, hemp hearts/seeds, mix them together and store in a jar or container. Boom!

Let's make a breakfast bowl with this killer cereal!

2 tbsp will keep you satisfied for hours. Especially with other toppings added. This doesn't seem like a lot but it is very filling. Of course you can have as much or as little as you like. Play around with it. Add boiling water to the mix, about 1/4 cup for 2 tbsp. Add more or less depending on how thick or thin you like it. Give it a little stir and let stand for 3-5 mins. I put a plate on top of the bowl to keep it warm but it's delicious at room temperature as well.

I topped this bowl with mango, blueberries, coconut milk (full fat from a can), toasted, sliced almonds, and extra toasted quinoa.

Toppings for your killer grain & seed cereal

• any kind of fruit
• toasted nuts
• pumpkin or sunflower seeds
• extra toasted quinoa
• extra hemp hearts
• coconut, almond, soy milk...or any milk or cream you like
• toasted coconut
• maple syrup or honey
• yogurt
• nut butter

Be sure to let me know in the comments what combinations of toppings you try!

Other recipes you might like to try

• Quinoa stuffed peppers
• Roasted Cauliflower and Leek Frittata

Print Recipe

4.8 from 5 votes

Killer Grain & Seed Cereal

Prep Time :5 minutes

Cook Time :15 minutes

Looking for a high protein breakfast to start your day off right but can't or don't eat eggs, dairy or gluten? Here's the recipe you've been waiting for!

Course:Breakfast

Cuisine:All

Keyword:buckwheat, cereal, chia, hemp, quinoa

Servings:32 servings

Author: Andrea

Ingredients

Toasted Quinoa

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well and drained
• 4 cups water
• 1 tbsp olive, avocado, coconut or grapeseed oil
• 1/2 tsp salt

Killer Grain & Seed Cereal

• 1 cup toasted quinoa
• 1 cup chia seeds
• 1 cup buckwheat
• 1 cup hemp hearts/seeds

Instructions

For the toasted quinoa

• Rinse quinoa in a mesh sieve over cold running water for about 2 minutes. Let drain.
• Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add quinoa. Turn down to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Drain.
• Turn the oven broiler to high and position a rack in top third of oven.
• Put quinoa back in the pot and mix in olive oil and salt. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
• Broil for 6-8 minutes, watching carefully and stirring half way through. You will hear it start to pop and it will start to toast. Keep a very close eye in the last half of broiling. There should be no moisture left so if necessary lower the oven rack and toast a little longer until it is dry and crispy.
• When done let cool completely on tray.
• Store in an airtight container and use to top breakfast cereals, yogurt, salads, grilled vegetables etc.

Killer Grain & Seed Cereal

• Mix together all 4 ingredients and keep in an airtight container.
• To make cereal, add 1/4 cup of boiling water to 2 tbsp cereal mix (more or less for thinner or thicker texture). Let stand, covered with a plate, for 3-5 mins or until desired softness is reached. Serve topped with any combination of the suggested toppings above or create your own!

Notes

1. Cereal can be stored at room temperature for 3 months. Hemp hearts are recommended to store in the fridge only because the nutritional value can decrease after 3-4 months of being stored at room temperature. 
2. Extra toasted quinoa is delicious on top of yogurt, other cereals, salads, grilled vegetables, popcorn etc. You will soon be addicted!