Creamy Quinoa Porridge with Coconut Milk

We’re huge fans of warm, comforting porridges! I love starting my morning with a hot bowl of oat bran, and my toddlers can’t get enough of cream of wheat. It’s cozy, simple, and satisfying, making it the ultimate plant-based breakfast. From whole wheat pancakes to banana bread and breakfast lentils, we’re all about cheap, nourishing morning meals.

This super creamy quinoa porridge is the latest favorite in our rotation. Made with white quinoa and full-fat coconut milk, it’s naturally vegan and has just the right amount of sweetness from brown sugar and cinnamon. If you’ve been curious about how to make quinoa porridge that’s both easy and delicious, this one’s for you.

Whether you're looking for a new quinoa breakfast porridge recipe or just want a break from oats, this is a great alternative. It’s wholesome, filling, and comes together in about 20 minutes. Bonus? It also makes a great Christmas recipe for the whole family when topped with warm fruit and spices.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This
• Benefits of Quinoa Porridge
• Why Choose White Quinoa for Porridge
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• Step-By-Step Recipe
• Tips for the Best Quinoa Porridge
• What To Serve With Quinoa Porridge
• How to Store Quinoa Porridge
• More Cozy Porridge Recipes
• Quinoa Porridge FAQs
• Creamy Quinoa Porridge with Coconut Milk

Why You’ll Love This

1. It’s naturally creamy and comforting. Coconut milk and quinoa team up for a warm, soft texture that’s both rich and gentle. It’s the kind of breakfast that hugs you from the inside out.
2. Perfect for plant-based and allergy-friendly diets. This is a vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free breakfast with simple, whole-food ingredients. Plus, it’s toddler-friendly (just skip the almonds for little ones).
3. Budget-friendly and meal-prep ready. A cheap plant-based diet doesn’t have to be boring. This recipe uses pantry staples and can be made ahead and stored for busy weekday mornings.

Benefits of Quinoa Porridge

Quinoa porridge is packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. 

Unlike traditional porridge grains, quinoa is a complete protein, making it especially great for vegans. 

The fiber helps with digestion and keeps you full, while the natural fats from coconut milk add extra staying power. Looking at the benefits of quinoa porridge, it's hard to ignore how nutritionally dense it is compared to other breakfast options.

Why Choose White Quinoa for Porridge

White quinoa is the mildest and softest of all the quinoa types, making it ideal for creamy dishes like porridge. It cooks quickly, has a fluffier texture, and blends well with sweet flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Unlike red or black quinoa, white quinoa doesn’t overpower the dish with a strong, earthy flavor, so it’s perfect when making quinoa porridge for breakfast.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• White quinoa: White quinoa cooks up light and soft, so it’s perfect for porridge. You can use tri-color quinoa, but it’ll be firmer and nuttier. Rinse well to remove bitterness.
• Full-fat coconut milk: This adds creaminess and richness. For a lighter version, you can use lite coconut milk or half oat milk and half coconut milk.
• Water: Used to balance out the richness of the coconut milk. You can use all plant-based milk if you prefer a thicker result.
• Brown sugar: Adds warmth and sweetness. You can use maple syrup, coconut sugar, or even date paste for a refined-sugar-free option.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy, spiced flavor. Try nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice as alternatives.
• Salt (optional): A tiny pinch enhances the sweetness and overall flavor.
• Vanilla extract (optional): Adds a mellow, sweet aroma. You can leave it out, but it elevates the dish with just a few drops.
  

Step-By-Step Recipe

1. Rinse and combine your ingredients. Start by rinsing your quinoa well using a fine mesh strainer to remove the bitter coating. Then, in a saucepan, combine quinoa, coconut milk, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
2. Cook until thick and creamy. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is tender and the liquid has thickened.
3. Finish and serve with toppings. Stir in the vanilla extract if using. Taste and adjust the sweetness, then serve warm with sliced almonds and your favorite fruit.

Tips for the Best Quinoa Porridge

1. Always rinse your quinoa. This removes saponins, which can make quinoa taste bitter or soapy. A good rinse makes all the difference in flavor.
2. Use white quinoa for the best texture. White quinoa becomes soft and creamy, ideal for porridge. Other varieties can be chewy or coarse.
3. Let it sit before serving. Once cooked, let the quinoa porridge sit covered for 5 minutes. This allows the grains to soak up extra moisture and become even creamier.

What To Serve With Quinoa Porridge

This porridge pairs beautifully with a splash of coconut cream, sliced almonds, or fresh fruit like berries, bananas, or chopped apples. You can even drizzle on some maple syrup for added sweetness. For a heartier breakfast, serve it alongside toast, a tofu scramble, or savory mushroom bacon. Add a warm mug of hot chocolate or a cup of coffee, and you’ve got a full cozy morning spread.

How to Store Quinoa Porridge

Store leftover quinoa porridge in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen it up. It’s also freezer-friendly, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

More Cozy Porridge Recipes

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Quinoa Porridge FAQs