Why Make This Recipe
Quinoa breakfast porridge is a fantastic way to start your day. It’s warm, creamy, and packed with nutrition. Quinoa is a complete protein, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids. Pairing it with almond milk, fresh strawberries, and a hint of maple syrup creates a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.
How to Make Quinoa Breakfast Porridge
Ingredients
- White Quinoa: 1 cup, uncooked. We recommend white quinoa for its lighter, fluffier texture and milder flavor compared to its red or black counterparts, which makes it ideal for a creamy porridge.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk: 3 cups (or milk of your choice, such as coconut, soy, oat, or dairy milk). The liquid is crucial for cooking the quinoa until it’s soft and creamy. Using a plant-based milk like almond milk keeps it vegan and adds a subtle nutty flavor. You may need an extra splash when reheating.
- Water: 1 cup. A combination of milk and water creates a perfectly balanced creaminess without being overly rich.
- Pure Maple Syrup: 3-4 tablespoons, or to taste. This provides a natural, unrefined sweetness. You can also use honey (if not vegan), agave nectar, or coconut sugar.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 ½ teaspoons. A splash of pure vanilla extract adds a wonderful aromatic depth and warmth that elevates the entire dish.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. Cinnamon not only adds a comforting, warm spice flavor but also has properties that can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Pinch of Salt: ¼ teaspoon. A small amount of salt is essential. It doesn’t make the porridge salty; instead, it enhances all the other flavors, especially the sweetness.
- Fresh Strawberries: 1 ½ cups, hulled and sliced. The star of our topping! Fresh strawberries add a burst of juicy sweetness, vibrant color, and a healthy dose of Vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Optional for Topping: Toasted sliced almonds, chia seeds, shredded coconut, or a dollop of yogurt.
Directions
Step 1: The Crucial Rinse
Place the 1 cup of uncooked quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve. Rinse it thoroughly under cold running water for at least 30-60 seconds, rubbing the grains gently with your fingers. This step is non-negotiable! Rinsing removes the natural coating on quinoa, called saponin, which can impart a bitter or soapy taste to your final dish. Once rinsed, drain it completely.
Step 2: Combine and Simmer
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, 3 cups of almond milk, 1 cup of water, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together and place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Cook to Creaminess
Once the mixture is boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the quinoa from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You’ll know it’s ready when the quinoa has absorbed most of the liquid and has become tender. You should see the little "tails" or germs have popped out from the seeds.
Step 4: Infuse with Flavor
Remove the saucepan from the heat. The porridge will continue to thicken as it cools. Stir in the 3-4 tablespoons of maple syrup, 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix until everything is well incorporated. Taste the porridge and adjust the sweetness if necessary. If the porridge is thicker than you’d like, you can stir in an extra splash of almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Ladle the warm quinoa porridge into two or three bowls. Top generously with the fresh, sliced strawberries. For extra texture, crunch, and nutritional value, add a sprinkle of toasted almonds, a spoonful of chia seeds, or any other desired toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth.
How to Serve Quinoa Breakfast Porridge
Serve this warm quinoa breakfast porridge in bowls and garnish with fresh strawberries and your choice of toppings. It makes for a hearty breakfast or snack that can be enjoyed alone or shared with family and friends.
How to Store Quinoa Breakfast Porridge
You can store any leftover quinoa porridge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop or microwave. You may need to add a little extra almond milk or water to achieve the desired creaminess.
Tips to Make Quinoa Breakfast Porridge
- Always remember to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to avoid any bitterness.
- Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less maple syrup.
- Feel free to change up the fruits and toppings according to the season or what you have on hand.
Variation
For a different twist, try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger, or mix in crushed nuts or seeds for added texture and flavor. You can also swap out the strawberries for other fruits such as blueberries, bananas, or apples.
FAQs
1. Can I make this quinoa porridge in advance?
Yes, you can prepare quinoa porridge in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat it before serving, adding a bit of milk or water for creaminess.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this breakfast porridge a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities.
3. Can I use a different type of milk?
Absolutely! You can substitute almond milk with coconut, soy, oat, or even regular dairy milk, depending on your preferences and dietary needs.