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Looking for something interesting but hassle-free for breakfast? Look no further than a filling bowl of pumpkin and quinoa porridge!

Eating porridge is an excellent way to start the day because grains are filled with complex carbohydrates. These carbs can see you through until lunch, unlike the empty carbs in white bread or instant oatmeal. And because it features two amazing superfoods, this particular porridge lacks for nothing on the nutrition front!

Pumpkin and quinoa: fiber superstars

Quinoa has been making the rounds in health circles recently, but it’s not just another food fad. Widely thought of as an ancient grain (it’s technically a seed), quinoa boasts a nutritious combo of fiber, plant protein, vitamins and minerals.

Quinoa is typically used as a substitute for rice because of its high fiber content. Fiber boosts digestion and aids in blood sugar control. Plus, fiber keeps you feeling full for longer periods. That’s why you’re less likely to snack after sitting down to a meal with fiber-rich foods.

On the other hand, complex carbs give you a more stable source of energy than simple carbs because you digest the former more slowly. So if you expect to have a busy morning, eat something packed with complex carbs.

Nutrition experts also consider quinoa a good source of protein since each serving gives you roughly 10 percent of your daily protein needs. This is good news for vegans and vegetarians with limited sources of protein.

Meanwhile, pumpkin is filled with vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. This pigment gives orange foods like pumpkins and carrots their bright peels. Your body transforms beta-carotene into vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin, good eyesight and strong teeth.

Additionally, pumpkin delivers a hefty dose of many other essential nutrients, including copper, vitamin C and potassium. Copper helps maintain healthy blood vessels, vitamin C boosts your immunity and potassium gives you energy. You’ll also benefit from modest amounts of iron, magnesium, phosphorus and folate.

Fiber-rich pumpkin and quinoa porridge recipe

Busy mornings call for easy but healthy dishes. And it doesn’t get easier than this instant pot pumpkin porridge recipe. It uses quinoa to add more complex carbs and fiber to this incredibly filling dish. Plus, it features potent spices, such as cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, that help fight inflammation and ward off diseases.

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 2 cups filtered water
• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup monk fruit sweetener
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation:

1. Using a fine-mesh strainer, rinse the quinoa well until the water runs clear.
2. Place the ingredients in an instant pot or pressure cooker. Stir well, then secure the lid.
3. Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and adjust the time to 1 minute.
4. When the timer beeps, quick-release the pressure until the float valve drops then unlock the lid.
5. Let quinoa cool a bit for a few minutes before ladling into bowls. Serve.

Fiber-rich pumpkin and gluten-free quinoa are wonderful superfoods on their own. But together, the two make a warm and delicious breakfast that’s loaded with powerful antioxidants and health-promoting nutrients. Try it out first thing tomorrow!

Sources:

LiveScience.com

VeryWellFit.com

MindBodyGreen.com