Cinnamon Orange Quinoa
User Reviews
5
Cinnamon Orange Quinoa
Description
This recipe cooks quinoa in a mixture of vanilla plant-based milk and fresh orange juice, infused with orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a handful of dried cherries or similar dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. The quinoa is brought to a gentle boil before simmering for 20 to 30 minutes until tender, absorbing the liquids and flavorings.
The cinnamon and nutmeg add warm spice tones balanced by bright orange zest and juice, which provide a fresh, aromatic citrus flavor. The dried fruit introduces bursts of sweetness and chewiness that complement the soft cooked quinoa. The vanilla milk base lends creaminess without dairy.
This dish can be served hot, making it a comforting breakfast option or an accompaniment to many meals. Presentation ideas include serving in hollowed orange halves for a festive touch.
Using a vegetable peeler to zest the orange carefully avoids the bitter pith, and warming the orange before juicing yields more juice. These small steps enhance the overall flavor and aroma of the quinoa.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 ½ cups plant-based milk vanilla
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- dried cherries cranberries, or raisins, handful
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
- To create a special presentation, serve quinoa warm in hollowed orange halves as natural bowls.
- If you don't have a zester, use a vegetable peeler to remove thin strips of orange peel, avoiding the white pith.
- Roll the orange on the countertop before juicing to increase juice yield.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 197 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 197kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 33g | 11% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Sodium | 205mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 262mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 30IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 215mg | 22% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.