Earl Grey and Tahini Breakfast Quinoa: A Tea-Lover’s Delight with a Healthy Twist

There’s something quintessentially British about starting the day with a good cup of tea. But what if you could infuse that beloved tea into your breakfast? Enter Earl Grey and tahini breakfast quinoa, a dish that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. Paired with fresh fruit and the magical touch of Mānuka honey, this breakfast is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation—ideal for those looking to shake up their morning routine without straying too far from the comforts of home. 

The British Love Affair with Tea 

Ah, tea. It’s more than just a drink in the UK; it’s a ritual, a comfort, and for many, an essential part of daily life. Earl Grey, with its distinctive bergamot flavor, holds a special place in the hearts of tea enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed plain or with a splash of milk, this fragrant tea is both refreshing and soothing, making it the perfect candidate for a breakfast makeover. 

Incorporating Earl Grey into your morning quinoa is a delightful way to marry the familiar with the unexpected. The tea infuses the quinoa with its subtle citrus notes, creating a flavor that’s both elegant and comforting. It’s like having your morning cuppa, but in a spoonable, hearty form that will keep you energized throughout the day. 

Quinoa: The Powerhouse Grain 

Before we dive into the specifics of this delicious breakfast, let’s talk about quinoa. Often dubbed a superfood, quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse that deserves a spot on your breakfast table. Unlike many grains, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs. This makes it an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to boost their protein intake. 

Quinoa is also rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, iron, and B vitamins, all of which contribute to overall health and well-being. Plus, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making it a versatile option for those with dietary restrictions. 

In the context of this breakfast dish, quinoa provides a hearty, satisfying base that complements the delicate flavors of Earl Grey tea. It’s a warm and comforting start to the day, perfect for those mornings when you need a little extra something to get you going. 

The Tahini Twist 

Now, let’s talk about tahini. Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture. But tahini is more than just a tasty addition to your meals—it’s also packed with nutrients. It’s a great source of healthy fats, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health and reducing inflammation. 

Tahini is also rich in calcium, making it a good alternative to dairy products for those looking to boost their calcium intake. Additionally, it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support overall health. When stirred into your Earl Grey-infused quinoa, tahini adds a creamy, slightly savory depth of flavor that balances the sweetness of the fruit and honey. 

The combination of tahini and Earl Grey might sound unconventional, but trust us—it works. The nutty, slightly bitter notes of tahini play beautifully with the citrusy, floral flavors of the tea, creating a breakfast that’s complex, satisfying, and just a little bit indulgent. 

Mānuka Honey: Nature’s Sweet Superfood 

No breakfast would be complete without a touch of sweetness, and that’s where Mānuka honey comes in. This honey, which hails from New Zealand, is not just any honey—it’s a superfood with impressive health benefits. Mānuka honey is rich in methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it a fantastic addition to your diet, supporting your immune system, aiding in digestion, and promoting overall health. 

In this breakfast dish, Steens Raw Mānuka honey adds a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the flavors of the Earl Grey, tahini, and fresh fruit. It’s a refined sugar-free way to sweeten your breakfast, making it a more health-conscious option for those looking to reduce their sugar intake. Plus, the thick, luxurious texture of Steens Raw Mānuka honey (thanks to having up to 15 times more bio-available bee bread than other Manuka Honey) adds a touch of indulgence to every bite, making your morning feel a little more special. 

Fresh Fruit: A Burst of Flavor and Nutrition 

To round out this breakfast, we add a generous serving of fresh fruit. Whether you prefer berries, sliced bananas, or juicy citrus segments, fresh fruit brings a burst of flavor and a boost of nutrition to the dish. Fruits are naturally rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making them an essential part of a balanced diet. 

In this breakfast quinoa, the fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors of the Earl Grey, tahini, and honey. It’s like a little taste of sunshine in every bite, brightening up your morning and providing you with the nutrients you need to start your day on the right foot. 

A Lighthearted Morning Ritual 

One of the best things about this Earl Grey and tahini breakfast quinoa is how it transforms your morning routine into something a bit more fun and enjoyable. Let’s face it—breakfast can sometimes feel like a chore, especially when you’re rushing out the door or trying to get through your to-do list. But with this dish, breakfast becomes an experience, a moment to savor and enjoy. 

There’s something undeniably charming about the idea of having your tea and eating it too. It’s a playful twist on a classic that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. And because it’s packed with wholesome ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re eating, knowing that you’re fueling your body with the nutrients it needs. 

This breakfast quinoa is also incredibly versatile. You can prepare it the night before for an easy grab-and-go option, or take a few extra minutes in the morning to enjoy it fresh and warm. It’s perfect for those cozy mornings when you have a bit of extra time, but it’s also quick enough for weekdays when you’re on the move. 

More than just a breakfast 

Earl Grey and tahini breakfast quinoa with fresh fruit and Mānuka honey is more than just a breakfast—it’s a delightful start to your day that combines the comfort of a classic British tea with the nutrition of modern superfoods. With its blend of flavors and textures, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing, perfect for tea lovers and health enthusiasts alike. 

So next time you’re brewing your morning cuppa, why not try something a little different? This breakfast quinoa is sure to become a new favorite, offering all the warmth, flavor, and goodness you need to start your day with a smile. Cheers to a breakfast that’s as British as it is delicious! 

Ingredients (serves 1)

• 60g quinoa, rinsed thoroughly
• 150 ml coconut milk
• 1 Earl Grey tea bag
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

to serve:

• Coconut or greek yoghurt, tahini dragon fruit or watermelon slices, blueberries, Manuka Honey (we used UMF10+)

Method

• Place the rinsed quinoa, almond milk and teabag in a small sauce pan over high heat; bring to a boil and then reduce to a very low simmer.
• Cook for about 13-15minutes or until the quinoa is cooked but still has a light bite. Remove the tea bag after the first 5 minutes and discard.

• Chop up your choice of fruit you may like to add as a topping. We used dragonfruit. 

• Place the cooked quinoa in a serving bowl and top with a few tablespoons  of your choice of milk, some yoghurt, Manuka Honey and fresh fruit of your choice.

* Feel free to adjust/ add ingredients to your liking. The cooked quinoa is not sweet at all, so the addition of honey is definitely recommended.