Description
This Cinnamon Orange Quinoa is a bright, nourishing breakfast porridge infused with zesty orange flavors and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Featuring chewy dried fruits for natural sweetness, this comforting dish is cooked to creamy perfection using plant-based milk, making it a wholesome and delightful way to start your day.
Ingredients
Quinoa Base
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 ½ cups vanilla plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Flavorings and Spices
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Add-ins
- A handful of dried cherries, cranberries, or raisins
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the quinoa, vanilla plant-based milk, and orange juice. Stir in the granulated sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg, mixing well to fully incorporate all ingredients.
- Bring to Boil: Allow the mixture to warm until it reaches a light boil. Then increase the heat to medium-high to get a more vigorous boil. Let it bubble actively for about one minute, which helps start the cooking process and enhances flavor melding.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the quinoa is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, resulting in a creamy porridge texture.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot. Garnish with extra fresh orange zest, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and the dried fruits for added texture and sweetness. Enjoy immediately for a vibrant and hearty breakfast treat.
Notes
- Orange Bowl: For a festive brunch presentation, hollow out orange halves and serve the cooked quinoa inside these natural bowls to impress guests and add visual appeal.
- No Zester, No Problem: Use a vegetable peeler and a sharp knife to carefully remove thin strips of orange peel, avoiding the bitter white pith, then finely chop or slice for zest.
- Roll and Squeeze: Roll the orange firmly on the countertop before juicing to release more juice. Slightly warming the orange in your hands or microwave can also increase juice yield.
