Quinoa Halwa with Caramelized Bananas

Halwa is a common term used in Indian cuisine to describe a sweet dessert with a consistency of a porridge or pudding. It’s made with grains like rice, wheat flour, semolina, veggies like beet or carrots. My breakfast halwa has the consistency of a oatmeal but tastes like a dessert. It has a rich creamy texture with warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, a little saffron, topped with caramelized banana for sweetness and toasty pistachios for crunch and richness. Its decadent, nourishing and perfect for days when you want something extra in your porridge. Imagine having dessert for breakfast.

Quinoa Halwa Porridge with Caramelized Bananas, Serves 2

• ½ cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1-1/2 cups any plant milk I like oatmilk or coconut milk
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoon maple syrup honey
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/8 teaspoon saffron, optional
• 1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil
• 1 large banana, peeled + sliced into 1/4” rounds
• 2 tablespoon toasted and chopped pistachios
• extra fruit if desired
• more honey, to drizzle
• rose petals optional

1. Combine the quinoa milk, water, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, saffron in a medium saucepan. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over medium heat. Turn the heat to low, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes. 
2. Stir in the oats and cook, uncovered, for about 6-8 more minutes, or until thickened and creamy. You may need to add more liquid to thin. Add water for lighter consistency and milk for richer.
3. While the porridge cooks, heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ghee or coconut oil. Once heated, add the banana slices in one layer. Cook for a minute or so. Drizzle the honey or maple syrup. Turn the heat to medium and cook for another couple of minutes until deeply caramelized. Flip the bananas, turn off the heat, and season with a pinch of salt. 
4. Divide the porridge into two bowls. Top with the caramelized bananas, chopped pistachios and more maple syrup or honey if desired. Garnish with fresh fruit and rose petals if using.