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Cinnamon Orange Quinoa is a great way to shake up your usual breakfast meal routine. This orange-infused porridge is flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg and studded with chewy, sweet dried fruits or berries. It is a no-fuss and simple yet invigorating morning treat that will get you pumped up for the day ahead.
Why You’ll Love This Breakfast Quinoa
We just love Quinoa! Aside from being a fantastic source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, it is simple to prepare and super versatile. It can be made into a sweet or savory dish depending on what you are hankering for. With a splash of orange juice and a sprinkle of orange zest, this recipe is a citrusy and sweet way to enjoy it for breakfast. It tastes light and refreshing but has enough oomph and energy-boosters to get you through the day.
If you are cooking quinoa for the first time, we have a complete guide to quinoa that is all about quinoa. Here are also some helpful tips for you to follow:
And if you enjoy this quinoa dish, you’ll also enjoy this Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowl and Fall Quinoa Salad.
Ingredients Used to Make Cinnamon Orange Quinoa
Spruce up your plain quinoa with these easy-to-find ingredients!
Possible Variations:
- Fruits. Add whichever seasonal or dried fruits you like to your spiced quinoa. Aside from those I mentioned in the ingredients, you can include raspberries, blueberries, peaches, mangoes, dates, and a lot more options to your liking.
- Nuts and seeds. For that added texture, add almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or pecans. Chia or flaxseeds are also good additions.
- Cooked Grains. Quinoa can be combined with oats, couscous, or other grains.
- Spices. Cardamom, pumpkin spice, or ginger powder are all great options if you want some variety for your breakfast porridge.
How to Make Cinnamon Orange Quinoa
This recipe is quite simple to prepare. This hearty and filling breakfast or snack may be made in just three steps.
Step 1: Over medium heat, combine the quinoa, plant-based milk, and orange juice – adding all seasonings and mixing until well combined.
Step 2: Allow it to come to a mild boil before increasing the heat to medium-high. Continue to cook until the boil becomes more aggressive. Bring it to bubble for a minute, then reduce to low heat and let it simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until it becomes soft. Cover with a lid. Serve with fresh orange zest, nutmeg, and dried fruit while it’s still hot!
Tips and Recommendations
- Orange Bowl. If you are serving this dish for brunch with guests, make it fancier by serving them on orange peels as bowls. Hollow out the center and fill with this cooked Cinnamon Orange Quinoa and serve.
- No zester, no problem. A vegetable peeler and a sharp knife are all you need to make orange zest. Avoid the bitter white pith by removing only a tiny strip of peel at a time. Using a sharp knife, cut them into strips or finely chop them.
- Roll and Squeeze. Roll the orange around on your kitchen counter a few times before squeezing it. Rolling it causes the fruit’s cell walls to disintegrate, allowing the juice to flow more freely. Also, because cold fruit yields less juice, slightly warm the orange before squeezing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Quinoa is abundant in fiber, protein, and various other nutrients and has a fluffy texture comparable to rice.
Quinoa is a gluten-free, whole-grain carbohydrate as well as a whole protein.
Absolutely, couscous is a great option or alternative.
Storing Cinnamon Orange Quinoa
- Fridge. Store any leftover cooked quinoa in an airtight container to keep out any moisture or contamination. Always keep it in the fridge to avoid spoilage. It should last 5 days.
- Freezer. Cooked quinoa can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container.
- Reheat. Simply microwave for 1 minute with a splash of plant-based milk or water. Another way is to warm it slowly over low heat, carefully covered to allow the grains to rehydrate from the steam. Stir constantly, and don’t be afraid to add extra water or plant-based milk if the quinoa appears to be drying out or becoming sticky.
- Make ahead. Cook the grains ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for easy reheating on busy days.
Cinnamon Orange Quinoa
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 ½ cups vanilla plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- A handful of dried cherries cranberries, or raisins
Instructions
- Combine quinoa, plant-based milk, and orange juice over medium heat, stirring in all the seasonings and mixing until fully incorporated.
- Let it come to a light boil and then up the heat to medium-high until the boil becomes more aggressive. Let it bubble for a minute, then drop the heat to simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until tender, placing a lid on top.
- Serve hot with fresh orange zest, nutmeg, and dried fruit!
Notes
- Orange Bowl. If you are serving this dish for brunch with guests, make it fancier by serving them on orange peels as bowls. Hollow out the center and fill with this cooked Cinnamon Orange Quinoa and serve.
- No zester, no problem. A vegetable peeler and a sharp knife are all you need to make orange zest. Avoid the bitter white pith by removing only a tiny strip of peel at a time. Using a sharp knife, cut them into strips or finely chop them.
- Roll and Squeeze. Roll the orange around on your kitchen counter a few times before squeezing it. Rolling it causes the fruit’s cell walls to disintegrate, allowing the juice to flow more freely. Also, because cold fruit yields less juice, slightly warm the orange before squeezing it.
