If you are looking for a healthy alternative to a cream of wheat breakfast porridge that is gluten-free, then cream of quinoa is for you.
To make the porridge creamy, all it takes is 30 seconds in a blender to break down the tiny quinoa seeds a bit.
This releases quinoa’s insoluble fiber, making the porridge creamy and comforting.
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Quinoa (pronounced kee-no-ah) is both sweet, and a little bitter. The addition of cardamom, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth, complexity, and excitement to your quinoa breakfast.
Topped with maple syrup or honey and roasted nuts, there’s a lot to love in this simple cooked breakfast cereal.
Is quinoa healthy?
Quinoa is a balancing, alkalizing grain that builds immunity.
It is a good source of protein—18 percent by mass—as well as folate, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.
John Immel at Joyful Belly points out that quinoa has more calcium than milk.
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Anti-inflammatory
A quinoa breakfast is high in soluble fiber, which is the kind of fiber that soothes and heals the digestive tract.
Quinoa’s thermal nature is cooling, which is helpful when inflammation is a concern. This means it has a cooling effect in your body.
If you pay attention after eating quinoa porridge, you will definitely be able to feel the beneficial effects in your gut. You should feel better after eating this.
Is Quinoa a carb?
Quinoa is 73 percent carbohydrate, according to the USDA Handbook #456.
Compared to other grains, it’s carb content is quite low. That’s because quinoa is also high in protein (18 percent) with a sizable fat content of 9 percent.
Since cravings for carbohydrates are often protein cravings in disguise, eating quinoa can actually help to curb future unwanted carbohydrate cravings.
Quinoa to water ratio
The typical quinoa to water cooking ratio is 2 to 1.
In this recipe we are using 2 cups liquid to ⅓ cup quinoa, which is more like 6 to 1.
That’s because we want a smooth and creamy consistency for porridge.
How to make quinoa breakfast porridge
To make cream of quinoa for your next breakfast, start by blending quinoa together with water, ground cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt for 30 seconds.
This pulverizes the quinoa and makes it more creamy.
Then, you simmer the blended quinoa for 10 minutes in a saucepan with a teaspoon of ghee, or your choice of healthy fat.
Next, make the porridge extra creamy by stirring in milk or plant-based milk.
Finally, top off your healthy breakfast with maple syrup or honey, and roasted chopped nuts for crunch.
Enjoy!
Cream of Quinoa Breakfast Porridge
Helpful Kitchen Tools:
Ingredients
Step 1
Step 2
- ½ cup whole milk, (sub with plant-based milk)
Optional toppings
- maple syrup or honey
- almonds, walnuts, or pecans
Instructions
- Add quinoa, water, cinnamon powder, ginger powder, cardamom powder, and nutmeg to a blender. Blend on medium for 30 seconds to partially pulverize the quinoa.
- Add spiced liquid to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil on high heat, then reduce heat to a simmer, add optional ghee, along with a pinch of salt, and cook, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Add milk or plant-based milk to thin. Simmer for 3-5 minutes more, or until thickened to your liking.
Optional toppings
- After the porridge is fully cooked and you have portioned it into a bowl, drizzle on 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey and top with chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
Nutrition
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Kathy
Perfect timing to find this. I was craving cream of wheat but can’t have gluten so going to try this. Sounds wonderful, The toppings are endless. Just food this on Pinterest.
Andrea
Hi Kathy, I’m so glad it showed up at the right time for you! It’s such a flexible recipe, and the toppings really let you get creative.
Jessica
I’m not sure if I did this incorrectly but my quinoa cooked almost instantly however it tasted amazing with some pure maple syrup added and it was so creamy and delightful. I’m so grateful for your post and I’m sure this will be added into my regular rotation.
Andrea
Hi Jessica!
Thanks for the feedback! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.
swathi
Cream of quinoa is wonderful idea, I enjoyed making it. perfect breakfast.
Andrea
Hi Swathi!
Glad you enjoyed the cream of quinoa and found it to be a perfect breakfast!
Criss
I tried your Cream of Quinoa Breakfast Porridge recipe, and it was delightful! The quinoa provided a hearty base, and the creamy texture made for a satisfying breakfast. Thank you for sharing this nutritious and tasty recipe!
Andrea
Hi Criss!
I'm so glad you enjoyed the Cream of Quinoa Breakfast Porridge and found it satisfying!
Lathiya
This was one of the best breakfast recipe I made. Thank you for sharing.
Andrea
Hi Lathiya!
Thanks for letting me know! I'm glad to hear it was one of the best breakfast recipes you've made.
Nicole Kendrick
I love the warm falvor of this dish! They were perfect with the quinoa and nuts.
Andrea
Hi Nicole!
Thank you so much! I appreciate your feedback.
Juyali
Tried this on a chilly morning and it was perfect—warm, creamy, and comforting. Even my usual oatmeal-loving kids asked for seconds!
Andrea
Hi Juyali!
So glad it was perfect for a chilly morning and that your kids loved it!
Mich
Really, really yummy! I suggest that you read your Quinoa instructions for the correct simmer time - mine was 15 minutes, so 5 min. longer than this recipe, before the water was absorbed. I liked it sweet and nutty (nuts, dates, maple syrup), but Hubby preferred it savory (black beans, spinach, a spinkle of cheese, topped with a sunny-side-up egg). This is now a breakfast staple in our home!
Andrea
Hi Mich!
Glad you love the recipe and shared your cooking tips!
Kelly B
Yum!!! Just yum yummy!!!! Made As is!!! We topped with chia, flax meal, blueberries & Greek yogurt!!!!
Andrea
Hi Kelly!
So glad you enjoyed it with those great toppings!
Gretchen
OMG! I wasn’t sure about this but it was perfect! Warm, flavorful, same consistency as cream of wheat. I added one spoonful of homemade pear jam, swirled it around. An excellent Fall breakfast. Thank you!!!
Andrea
Hi Gretchen,
That sounds very lovely!! Pear jam. Wow! Thanks for sharing 🙂
—Andrea
Kiki
This was delish! Had a bit less than 1/2 and mixed with grain free muesli and some brown sugar trivia to keep it low carb”ish” super yummy. I added more cinnamon, some vanilla extract and a pinch more salt and was perfect. I love hot goopy porridge lol!,
Andrea
Sounds like some fun modifications Kiki! Thanks for sharing your "formula."
AndreaF
Hi. I suppose ANY quinoa is okay here? All I have is the mixed in color.. your thoughts?
Clara
Add a drizzle of molasses instead of honey or maple. Wonderful taste!
Andrea
Thanks for the suggestion! Sounds great!
Lucy G
Way to make a boring food tasty! I topped with maple syrup, toasted almonds and a little coconut.
Andrea
I love that Lucy! Glad you enjoyed this style of quinoa. Making a nutrient-dense food tasty!
Laura
Personally, way too much spice for me but I like the idea of this so I will try again with less spice. Texture was great, very much like cream of wheat!
Andrea
Hi Laura,
Way to give this a try, and then adjust for your own tastebuds. Enjoy!
—Andrea
Jd
Can I do this in a non powerful blender?
Andrea
Hi Jd,
Give it a try! I think it will work. You don't need the quinoa to turn to liquid. Just broken down a little.
—Andrea
Shanoor
Can I make it in advance maybe let’s say 3 portions and use it over a few days
Andrea
Hi Shanoor,
I love that idea. You can multiply by 3, then I would store it blended, but UNCOOKED in the fridge. This way you'll get the best texture and not have to mess with reheating goopy porridge. But either way. Enjoy! —Andrea
Claudia
To take away the bitter flavor, the Quinto should be rinse and soak for a bit first.
Then put it to boil for 5 minutes and toss and change the water.
Then start over until cooked.
It'll be very neutral.
I'm Peruvian and that's our trick to take the biter away.
Andrea
Hi Claudia,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sharing about how to prepare quinoa from a traditional standpoint, and for helping out the community!! —Andrea
Rachel
How much nutmeg?
Andrea
Hi Rachel,
You are the second person to notice this error today. Thank you for pointing it out! I just updated the recipe with a pinch.
—Andrea
Lisa
This was a hit for me and my partner. Was too filling for me as one serving especially with the sprinkles of pecans. I used almond milk and water for the 1.5 cups to make it even more creamy.
Could taste the quinoa distinctive flavor until we added a pinch more salt. Will definitely use again. Great recipe and thank you for sharing.
Andrea
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for the feedback. I am sure that your feedback and modifications will be helpful for others!
—Andrea
Sandy
I know the importance of soaking quinoa before hand, and find I especially need to do so before I eat it. Will this recipe worked with soaked quinoa?
Andrea
Hi Sandy! Absolutely it will. Enjoy
—Andrea
Veena
Came out so good and tasty. All of us in the family enjoyed this. Thanks so much!
Andrea
Hi Veena,
Thank you! So wonderful to hear that.
—Andrea