Start your winter mornings with a nourishing and hormone-balancing Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Poached Eggs. This wholesome dish combines protein-rich quinoa, healthy fats from avocado, and nutrient-dense spinach and tomatoes. The poached eggs add an extra boost of protein and essential nutrients to help stabilize blood sugar levels and support hormone balance.
How It Balances Hormones:
Quinoa: High in protein and fiber, quinoa helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, which is crucial for hormone balance.
Spinach: Rich in magnesium and iron, spinach supports adrenal health and overall hormonal function.
Avocado: Packed with healthy fats and vitamin E, avocados help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and support hormone production.
Poached Eggs: A great source of high-quality protein and essential fats, eggs provide the building blocks for hormone production.
Tomatoes: Loaded with antioxidants and vitamins, tomatoes help reduce inflammation and support liver function, essential for hormone metabolism.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 eggs
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for poaching eggs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives), chopped for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Quinoa:
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the quinoa and water or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
2. Sauté Spinach:
- In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
3. Poach the Eggs:
- Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the apple cider vinegar.
- Crack each egg into a small bowl.
- Create a gentle whirlpool in the water using a spoon and carefully slide each egg into the water.
- Poach the eggs for about 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk, or longer if you prefer a firmer yolk.
- Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
4. Assemble the Bowl:
- Divide the cooked quinoa into bowls.
- Top each bowl with sautéed spinach, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, and poached eggs.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, if using, and garnish with fresh herbs.
5. Serve:
- Serve warm and enjoy a nutritious, hormone-balancing breakfast!
This hearty and nutritious breakfast bowl is perfect for winter mornings and is packed with ingredients that support hormonal health