How to Cook Quinoa Porridge

Quinoa porridge is a delicious alternative to traditional oatmeal. Naturally gluten free, it is light yet satisfying, quick and easy to make and can be combined with lots of different flavours. This post contains easy instructions for cooking quinoa into a delicious, creamy porridge.

To cook a simple quinoa porridge you only need 3 ingredients: raw quinoa, milk and a pinch of salt. Cooking porridge using quinoa requires little effort and time and the finished dish is ready in under 20 minutes! You can make a large batch and enjoy the next day too.

Not only is quinoa porridge easy to make it is also healthy! One portion (without the extra ingredients, see below) contains only approx. 100 calories (this amount can vary depending on the type of milk you use).

Quinoa is perfect for making porridge

because it:

• is high in fibre and protein
• can be combined with any milk
• is naturally gluten free
• cooks quickly
• has a mildly nutty flavour - works with lots of different ingredients.

Is quinoa better than oatmeal

Both quinoa (considered a whole grain) as well as rolled oats (NOT the instant variety) are a nutritious breakfast choice. They contain varying amounts of fibre, protein, iron, folate, manganese as well as antioxidants so it's difficult to decide whether one is better than the other.

Both can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet (see also my chai porridge!).

• Good to know: Quinoa takes a little longer to cook than oats, but, unlike oats, is always gluten-free, which is an advantage for those on a gluten-free diet.

Quinoa porridge ingredients and substitutions

• Quinoa

I used widely available white quinoa, but you can use any, including tri-colour or red quinoa (this last one contains more antioxidants!).

• Milk

Both dairy and non-dairy alternatives work, such as almond, hazelnut or oat. I do not recommend using coconut milk as it's very rich and calorific.

• TIP: You can use water instead of milk to make porridge with quinoa, but the result will be less creamy.
• Salt

A pinch of salt enhances the flavour of this quinoa porridge (I used sea salt, which is a little less 'salty', and healthier than rock salt).

Optional ingredients

• Cocoa:

Either cocoa or cacao are fine to use. You can also omit this ingredient altogether.

• Fruit

I used banana (ensure it's ripe for maximum natural sweetness) but there are lots of alternatives. For example you can use pureed mango, pear, dates or another sweet fruit. Or just use a drizzle of maple syrup.

• Maple syrup

Use according to taste or omit altogether. Alternatively use honey, agave syrup, coconut sugar or another sweetener.

Do I need to presoak the quinoa

No, you don't, although you can if you normally do and prefer to.  While it's true that quinoa can sometimes taste a little bitter and soaking it for 2 hours can prevent that it is not necessary to soak it for this quinoa oatmeal.

The bitterness can be an issue if you are serving cooked quinoa as a side dish but not in a recipe which you can sweeten according to taste (for example by using fruit and maple syrup, as I have done).

How to cook quinoa porridge: step-by-step

1.In a saucepan combine the quinoa with the milk, add a pinch of salt, cover and bring to the boil (take care not to let the milk spill out of the pot). Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 12 minutes stirring occasionally.

2. Add the cocoa and maple syrup (if using) and stir thoroughly.  Cover and simmer for about 3 more minutes stirring once or twice. Top up with more milk if at any point the mixture becomes too thick.

3. Remove from the heat, stir in the mashed banana (or another fruit), add a splash of milk if needed and serve.

Serving suggestions

This creamy porridge with quinoa is delicious as it is, but you can also serve it with fruit, such as berries, cherries or slices of banana. Homemade fruit compote is a delicious topping alternative (also perfect in amaranth porridge and quinoa pudding). Add a dash of cinnamon and a little vanilla if desired.

You could also scatter toasted seeds and/or nuts over the top. A dollop of yogurt will add a bit of tang and create a creamier consistency.

Other flavour combinations you can use

I chose to use cocoa and make quinoa chocolate porridge but there are lots of other flavour combinations you could use including:

• Apple pie: Add 1 tsp of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of apple sauce or chopped raw or baked apple.
• Fresh berry: Add your favourite berries along with a bit of cinnamon and a spoonful of berry jam.
• Pumpkin pie: In addition to pumpkin spice you could add a little pumpkin puree and roasted pecans.

Can I prepare it overnight

You can cook the quinoa and combine with the milk the night before, and enjoy the next morning as overnight quinoa. Unlike oats, which can be used raw to make overnight oats, quinoa needs to be pre-cooked before serving.

Top tips

• There is no need to presoak the quinoa.
• Cooking quinoa: When cooking the quinoa with milk try not to let it boil too rapidly as the milk will rise to the top and might spill out of the pot. As soon as it starts bubbling up and rising turn the heat right down to a simmer.
• Make it vegan: Use a non-dairy milk alternative such as almond, oat or hazelnut milk.
• How much sugar to use : If you prefer not to use any maple syrup add a little more mashed banana (the more ripe the banana the sweeter it is).
• Serve hot.
• Storing and reheating: Leftover quinoa porridge, once cooled, can be refrigerated covered, for up to 3 days. The porridge will thicken over time so add a splash of milk before reheating it, whether in the microwave or on the stove top.
• Not suitable for freezing.

More breakfast recipes with quinoa

• Quinoa Blueberry Muffins
• Breakfast Yogurt Parfait (Quinoa, Mango & Ginger)
• Quinoa Egg Salad Wrap
• Fluffy Quinoa Pancakes
• Quinoa Berry Smoothie Bowl

Why not check out ALL my healthy, delicious breakfast recipes!

Recipe

Keep in touch!

If you make this simple quinoa porridge recipe I'd love to know how it turned out for you. What toppings did you use? Let me know in the comments below, thanks:)

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