Learn how to make reliable quinoa porridge, a protein rich, gluten-free oatmeal alternative! It has a comforting, creamy texture and comes together in about 20 minutes. Top it with all kinds of extras for the reliable breakfast bowl!
Many of you may already know about making quinoa for a dinner side dish, but have you tried it for breakfast? Just in case it has missed your radar (or even if it’s been awhile since last you made it), consider this a gentle reminder (I need such nudges myself!).
If you are ready to shake up your morning cereal or patmeal routine, quinoa porridge is jthe answer. The essential recipe requires two ingredients, but the options for customizations–different flavors and toppings–are vast. You will love the creamy texture as well as the long lasting sustenance it provides all morning long.
Recipe Benefits
- 7 grams protein per serving
- Gluten-free
- Straightforward to prepare
- Made with 2 ingredients (other than water, optional salt, and optional toppings)
- Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free)
- Can be made in advance
- 3 grams fiber per serving
Ingredients
The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post.Toggle betweenUS Customary(volume) andMetric(weights) for preferred measurement option.
- Quinoa (white, or multi-colored)
- Non-dairy milk (e.g., almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk or cashew milk)
Step by Step Instructions
Note that the complete instructions are also in the recipe card below.
- In a small saucepan, combine the quinoa, nondairy milk, water, and optional salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and the porridge is thickened (add more water to the saucepan, as needed, to achieve desired consistency).
- Divide the porridge between two bowls and top with additional nondairy milk and the toppings of your choice.
Suggested Topping Ideas
- Sweetener(e.g., maple syrup, agave nectar, date sugar or coconut sugar)
- Fresh fruit(e.g., raspberries, blueberries, sliced apples, diced strawberries, chopped mangoes)
- Dried fruit(e.g., raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, chopped dates, diced apricots)
- Chopped nuts(e.g., pecans, walnuts, almonds)
- Seeds(e.g., sunflower seed kernels, hemp hearts, green pumpkin seeds / pepitas)
- Nut butter or seed butter(e.g., a spoonful of almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter)
- Coconut flakes(plain or toasted)
FAQ
- Is Quinoa Gluten-Free?Yes, quinoa is gluten-free! It safe for individuals who are celiac or wishes to avoid gluten for any reason.
- Can I Use Multi-Color Quinoa?Yes! Quinoa porridge can be made with white quinoa or multicolored quinoa. The cooking process is the same for both. Note that the red and black quinoa in multicolor quinoa has a slightly chewier texture and a faintly stronger nutty flavor.
- Can I Add Flavorings to the Quinoa Porridge?Yes! Stir in vanilla extract, lemon zest or orange zest, or a few pinches of your go-to spices (e.g., cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger).
- Can I Make Quinoa Porridge in Advance?Yes! Instead of taking 20 minutes to prepare the porridge on a busy weekday morning, make a double or triple batch the night before, or on the weekend, and rewarm the next morning or later in the week.
- How Should I Store Quinoa Porridge?Cool completely, the store the prepared quinoa porridge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days until ready to eat.
- How Should I Reheat Quinoa Porridge?
- In the microwave:Reheat a single portion of the quinoa porridge in a microwave safe bowl for 30 to 60 seconds at a time until warmed through. Add one or more tablespoons of water or nondairy milk to the bowl, as needed, to reach the desired level of creaminess.
- On the stovetop:Reheat all or a portion of the quinoa porridge in a small saucepan over low to medium heat until warmed through. Add one or more tablespoons of water or nondairy milk to the bowl, as needed, to reach the desired level of creaminess.
Quinoa Porridge
- Prep Time: 1 minute
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 2 portions
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 1 cup nondairy milk (e.g., almond milk, oat milk, hemp milk, plus more for serving)
- 1 cup water (I use filtered tap water
- Optional: large pinch of salt
- Optional toppings (see notes below)
Method
- In a small saucepan, combine the quinoa , nondairy milk, water, and optional salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and the porridge is thickened (add more water to the saucepan, as needed, to achieve desired consistency).
- Divide the porridge between two bowls and top with additional nondairy milk and the toppings of your choice.
Notes
Make it In Advance Make a double or triple batch the night before, or on the weekend, and rewarm the next morning or later in the week. Cool completely, the store the prepared quinoa porridge in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days until ready to eat. Suggested Topping Ideas Sweetener (e.g., maple syrup , agave nectar, date sugar or coconut sugar ) Fresh fruit (e.g., raspberries, blueberries, sliced apples, diced strawberries, chopped mangoes) Dried fruit (e.g., raisins, dried cranberries , dried cherries, chopped dates, diced apricots) Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, walnuts, almonds) Seeds (e.g., sunflower seed kernels , hemp hearts , green pumpkin seeds / pepitas ) Nut butter or seed butter (e.g., a spoonful of almond butter , peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter ) Coconut flakes (plain or toasted)
