Warm and Nutty Cinnamon Quinoa Recipe


I've been looking for good solid quinoa recipes lately and have found virtually all of them are made for savory dishes, that is until I found this one. Nutty and warm with a touch of cinnamon spice, this simple quinoa recipe combines the comforts of oatmeal with the dainty textures of quinoa, freshly toasted nuts and berries. It is so good that I ate the entire batch of four servings myself. Now that is a healthy definition of gluttony and a great way to get your protein for the day.

Warm and Nutty Cinnamon Quinoa Recipe
I used a red quinoa here, but you may substitute with the more common white.
Slightly adapted from 101 Cookbooks

Ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups fresh blueberries or blackberries
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
  • 4 teaspoons agave nectar
Method
  1. Rinse the quinoa. Combine the milk, water and quinoa in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low; cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed. Don't worry if you still see milk bubbling, turn off the heat; let it stand covered for 5 minutes, and the last of the liquid should get absorbed. 
  2. Stir in berries and cinnamon; transfer to four bowls and top with pecans or walnuts. Drizzle 1 teaspoon agave nectar over each serving.
Serves 4

30 comments:

El said...

This is great. I never considered trying it for breakfast but it sounds like a wonderful alternative to oatmeal.

kyleen said...

This looks delicious! I love quinoa, but I've always eaten it as a main course. Great idea to try it as a breakfast food.

Belinda @zomppa said...

I love quinoa but never thought to use cinnamon!

Delicious Dishings said...

This sounds wonderful, and I even have some red quinoa in the pantry!

Simply Mel {Reverie} said...

this looks and sounds delicious! I'm going to try with almond milk.

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

It is nice to change it up once in a while. I can imagine the nutty flavours.

Simply Life said...

oh I love this and could easily see how you would eat the entire thing! I'm going to have to try this!

City Share said...

Mmm, that looks great. It reminds me of something my grandmother used to make with leftover rice. It's nice to see grains that we normally associate with dinner on the breakfast table.

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

What a healthy way to start the day. They say you should eat a big breakfast.
Sam

Mari Nuñez said...

I haven't cook anything with quinoa, this is a great recipe to start with, it looks delicious :)

Hugs

Fun and Fearless in Beantown said...

I love all of the great breakfast and dessert quinoa recipes I've been reading lately!

Deana Sidney said...

Great idea. It is so nutty afterall, why not sweeten and spice it up? I am a huge pecan fan and love the combo with the quinoa... great idea and so good for you... how can you beat quinoa, an almost perfect food all on its own?

lisa is cooking said...

I've been looking for ways to mix up my usual breakfast routine, and this would be perfect! Look so good with the berries and pecans.

sally said...

Yum! Looks like a tasty breakfast option!

Claudia said...

You are so right - all my quinoa recipes are savory - even the ones with cream! Definitely doing this for a lovely change of pace.

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

Same for me - I've used quinoa in savory dishes and salads, but had no information on sweet dishes. Thanks for sharing - I'm going to give this a try.

La Table De Nana said...

How different..one of my favorite foods..must try.

Amy said...

I love using quinoa as a hot breakfast. It's so good and there are so many ways you can enjoy it, just like oatmeal.

Vianney Rodriguez said...

I am really enjoying that quinoa is being used in so many forms, from breakfast, burgers and cookies. This would be great for early cold monday mornings!

Anonymous said...

Such a yummy and nutritious breakfast, or actually I would love this at any time of the day. Perfect with cinnamon and berries!

Lori said...

I love quinoa for breakfast, and this idea with blueberries is great! There is something about pairing the nutty flavor with something sweet that is so good.

Velva said...

This is the kind of meal that can feel my belly with goodness. I would eat a big bowl for breakfast or at night for dinner too.

Delicious.

Velva

Katie@Cozydelicious said...

I love, love, love quinoa for breakfast. Your recipe sounds delish! So warm and cozy. Yum!

Chiara said...

I love quinoa, I'm always looking for new recipes, thanks for sharing...

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

I keep looking for good quinoa recipes to try and this one is going to the top of the list! How wonderful it sounds.

Magic of Spice said...

This does look incredibly good! I adore quinoa, and must admit I have primarily prepared it as a savory dish...must change this :)

nancy at good food matters said...

Thanks for this, Christine. All of my quinoa recipes are savory. It makes perfect sense that it would make a delicious breakfast-style dish, instead of oatmeal. Far healthier, too.

excellent photographs, as usual!

Katia said...

Wow! This looks amazing! I NEVER would have thought of using quinoa as a sweet way to start the day but this is absolutely delightful! I can't wait to try it! It's not blueberry season here but I think an apple compote could be just the thing to make this work in the winter, especially with the cinnamon. Love it. Thankyou for sharing the recipe!

Sara said...

This looks nice. I've been seeing (and thinking) a lot about using grains other than oatmeal at breakfast. Why not?

Otehlia said...

I've been eating a lot of quinoa for breakfast lately. This looks like a great way to prepare it.