This quinoa breakfast skillet is a nutritious and filling way to start your day. Packed with protein and fiber, it combines quinoa with vegetables and eggs for a balanced meal.
The recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite veggies and spices, making it a versatile option for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients for a Wholesome Start
To create this vibrant quinoa breakfast skillet, gather a selection of fresh ingredients that will enhance both flavor and nutrition. Start with one cup of quinoa, which serves as the base for this dish, providing a hearty source of protein and fiber.
Next, you’ll need two cups of vegetable broth or water to cook the quinoa, ensuring it remains fluffy and flavorful. Incorporate a tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing, along with a medium onion and a bell pepper, both diced to add sweetness and color.
Fresh spinach is essential, contributing a burst of nutrients and a lovely green hue. Finally, four large eggs will crown the dish, providing richness and a satisfying finish. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika for an extra kick, and don’t forget the chopped fresh herbs for garnish!
Preparation Steps for a Flavorful Skillet
The preparation of this breakfast skillet is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for busy mornings. Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water, then combine it with vegetable broth or water in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.
While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until they soften and release their natural sweetness. Stir in the fresh spinach, cooking just until it wilts, which should take about two minutes.
Bringing It All Together
Once the quinoa is ready, add it to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika if desired, stirring to combine everything thoroughly. This step ensures that the quinoa absorbs all the delicious flavors from the vegetables.
Next, create four wells in the quinoa mixture and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are set to your liking, which typically takes around five to seven minutes. This method allows the eggs to cook gently, resulting in perfectly sunny-side-up eggs.
Serving Suggestions for a Beautiful Presentation
Once the eggs are cooked, it’s time to serve this delightful breakfast skillet. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, which not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor profile.
For a rustic touch, serve the skillet directly from the pan on a wooden table, creating an inviting breakfast scene. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh fruit or whole-grain toast, adding variety to your morning meal.
Nutritional Benefits of Quinoa and Vegetables
This quinoa breakfast skillet is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutritional benefits. Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for a balanced breakfast.
The addition of colorful vegetables like bell peppers and spinach boosts the vitamin and mineral content, providing antioxidants and fiber that support overall health. Eggs contribute healthy fats and protein, making this dish a well-rounded meal to kickstart your day.
Customization Ideas for Your Skillet
One of the best aspects of this breakfast skillet is its versatility. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Zucchini, mushrooms, or tomatoes can be excellent additions, allowing you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, to find the perfect flavor combination that suits your palate.
Easy Quinoa Breakfast Skillet Recipe
This breakfast skillet features fluffy quinoa sautéed with bell peppers, spinach, and topped with eggs. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 4 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Chopped fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and liquid is absorbed.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet with the vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Cook Eggs: Make four wells in the quinoa mixture and crack an egg into each well. Cover the skillet and cook until the eggs are set to your liking (about 5-7 minutes).
- Serve: Garnish with chopped herbs if desired and serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 280kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 36g