Quinoa Pudding

Quinoa pudding is a warm, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with quinoa, milk, maple syrup, and cinnamon, this recipe is an easy, healthy alternative to traditional rice pudding. It’s naturally gluten-free and customizable to suit your taste and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying breakfast or a sweet treat, quinoa pudding is a versatile and delicious choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This quinoa pudding is rich, creamy, and full of flavor, with the perfect balance of sweetness from the maple syrup and warmth from the cinnamon. Quinoa adds a nutritious twist to the classic pudding, providing fiber and protein to keep you satisfied longer. It’s quick to prepare and can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it a great option for both cozy mornings or as a make-ahead dessert. Plus, it’s dairy-free and can be made with a variety of plant-based milks, making it suitable for almost any dietary preference.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup quinoa (85g)

• 2 cups milk (480g), such as whole milk, unsweetened coconut milk, or unsweetened almond milk (I used 1 cup soy milk and 1 cup almond milk)

• 2 tbsp maple syrup (30-45g) (you can increase or reduce this amount or use any sweetener you like)

• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (5g)

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (1.5g)

• Pinch of salt

(Tip: You can double this recipe for extra servings!)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Rinse the Quinoa

1. Place the quinoa in a mesh colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Allow the quinoa to drain.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, leaving the lid slightly cracked to allow steam to escape.

Step 3: Simmer the Quinoa

1. Let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring about every 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the liquid levels, ensuring it doesn’t boil over.

2. After 20-25 minutes, remove the lid and continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, or until the pudding has thickened and most of the milk is absorbed by the quinoa.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Adjust Consistency

1. Once the pudding has thickened to your liking, remove the pot from the heat. Add the vanilla extract and stir to combine.

2. If you find that the pudding has absorbed too much liquid and you’d like it creamier, add 1/4 cup more milk and stir through until you achieve the desired consistency.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Pour the pudding into bowls and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

2. The pudding will continue to thicken as it cools. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional cinnamon on top before serving.

Step 6: Refrigerate (Optional)

1. The pudding will thicken beautifully once refrigerated overnight. If you prefer to enjoy it chilled, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

Variations

1. Add-ins: Customize the pudding by adding fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or raisins for extra texture and flavor.

2. Spices: If you enjoy warm spices, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves for a unique twist.

3. Sweetener Variations: Swap out maple syrup for honey, agave, or your favorite sweetener if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover quinoa pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the pudding in a pot over low heat, adding a bit more milk if needed to return it to a creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use quinoa flakes instead of whole quinoa?

Yes, quinoa flakes can be used, but they will cook much faster and result in a creamier texture. Adjust the cooking time accordingly (about 10 minutes for quinoa flakes).

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this quinoa pudding ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It will thicken as it cools, and it can be enjoyed either warm or cold.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, if you use plant-based milk (such as coconut, almond, or soy milk) and maple syrup, the pudding is completely vegan.

Can I use a different type of sweetener?

Absolutely! You can use any sweetener of your choice, such as honey, agave, or stevia, and adjust the amount to your taste.

Can I make this pudding without cinnamon?

If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, feel free to leave it out. You could also try using vanilla bean paste or a different spice like cardamom for a unique flavor.

Can I toast the quinoa for extra flavor?

Yes, you can toast the quinoa in 1/2 tbsp of butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free) over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes before adding the milk. This will add a nice depth of flavor to the pudding.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe if you’re serving more people. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as the pudding may take a bit longer to thicken.

How do I know when the pudding is ready?

The pudding is ready when it has thickened and the quinoa has absorbed most of the liquid but still has a creamy consistency. You can test it by checking if the liquid has been absorbed and if the quinoa is tender.

Can I freeze this pudding?

While quinoa pudding can be frozen, the texture may change slightly after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, store it in an airtight container and allow it to thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This Quinoa Pudding is a simple, nutritious, and delicious treat that can be enjoyed as a breakfast, snack, or dessert. With its creamy texture and warm cinnamon flavor, it’s an easy way to incorporate quinoa into your meals. Customize it with your favorite add-ins or enjoy it as is – either way, it’s a satisfying dish that’s both healthy and indulgent!

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