Festive Quinoa Porridge Dish (Printable Version)
Creamy quinoa with fruits and warm spices for a wholesome holiday morning.
# What You'll Need:
→ Grains
01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
→ Liquid
02 - 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
03 - 1 cup water
→ Sweetener & Spices
04 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - Pinch of salt
→ Fruits & Nuts
08 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
09 - 1 apple, diced
10 - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
11 - 1 orange, zested
→ Garnish (optional)
12 - Additional maple syrup for drizzling
13 - Pomegranate seeds
14 - Toasted coconut flakes
# How To Make:
01 - In a medium saucepan, mix rinsed quinoa with milk, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
02 - Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
03 - Stir in dried cranberries, diced apple, and maple syrup. Cook uncovered for 5 to 8 minutes until quinoa is tender and the mixture turns creamy.
04 - Remove from heat, then mix in orange zest and half of the chopped nuts.
05 - Portion into bowls and top with remaining nuts, pomegranate seeds, toasted coconut flakes, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired. Serve warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It keeps you satisfied all morning without that mid-morning energy dip most breakfast cereals give you.
- The spices do all the heavy lifting so you get restaurant-quality flavor from your own stovetop.
- You can prep components the night before and have breakfast ready in under 15 minutes when life gets hectic.
02 -
- If your porridge seems too thick when you remove it from heat, stir in a splash of milk—it will continue to thicken slightly as it cools, so don't panic and add too much.
- The orange zest is non-negotiable for that festive lift; it prevents the porridge from ever tasting heavy or one-dimensional, even though it's a small addition.
- Dried cranberries plump up as they cook, so what looks like a modest handful at the start becomes generous little bursts of tartness throughout.
03 -
- Don't skip the rinsing step on quinoa—it takes 30 seconds under cold water and prevents that bitter, slightly soapy taste that turns people away from the grain forever.
- If you're cooking for guests, make the base ahead and let them customize the toppings at the table; it feels interactive and lets everyone adjust the sweetness and texture to their taste.