5-Minute Creamy Quinoa Porridge (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Comforting and delicious, this creamy quinoa porridge is a perfect alternative to oatmeal. With only 5 ingredients required, this recipe can be made in just 5 minutes and is perfect for filling you up anytime you’re hungry. Top it with berries and a sprinkle of quinoa flakes for the perfect protein-filled breakfast or snack! Totally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, so anyone can enjoy!

Jump to:

• The Easiest, Most Comforting Breakfast
• Quinoa Porridge: A Perfect Alternative to Oatmeal
• What Are Quinoa Flakes?
• Why This Recipe Works
• Ingredients You’ll Need:
• Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
• How to Make Quinoa Porridge (Step by Step)
• Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
• Recipes FAQs:
• Quinoa Recipes You’ll Love:
• Other Breakfast Bowls to Enjoy:
• Easy Recipes for Breakfast to Indulge In:
• 5-Minute Creamy Quinoa Porridge (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

The Easiest, Most Comforting Breakfast

When I was younger and still living in Singapore, I remember that my dad would begin his day by tucking into his favorite breakfast – a warm bowl of oatmeal.

There’s something incredibly comforting about soft, warm oatmeal, especially when you’re hungry or feeling under the weather, and over the years, oatmeal has become my comfort food.

Quinoa Porridge: A Perfect Alternative to Oatmeal

However, I’ve realized that for those who are Celiacs or have gluten-intolerance, oatmeal may not always be an option.

While oats naturally do not contain gluten, oats are often processed in the same facilities that process wheat, so cross-contamination is prevalent in oats.

In some countries such as the US, it’s easy to find gluten-free oats, but in other countries, it’s impossible to find certified gluten-free oats.

In fact, some Celiacs tends to have similar reactions to oats as they would to gluten, making it a no-no for those with Celiac disease in many countries (such as Argentina where Juan and I live, or in Australia).

If you’ve been missing oatmeal, but can’t eat oatmeal because you’re Celiac and can’t find certified gluten-free oats where you are, or have reactions to oats, this deliciously creamy quinoa porridge made with quinoa flakes is your answer!

What Are Quinoa Flakes?

Not long ago, I discovered quinoa flakes, which are an incredibly close alternative to oats.

Quinoa flakes are basically quinoa seeds that have been pressed and rolled into flat flakes (in the same way that oat groats are rolled in a machine to become rolled oats).

I recently made this easy honey quinoa bread with quinoa flakes, and didn’t know what else to make with the half-used bag of leftover quinoa flakes remaining.

Googling online however, I discovered that quinoa flakes could also be cooked to make porridge for a healthy breakfast.

I tested out a recipe I found online and when it worked, I went crazy happy!! It literally feels like you’re eating oatmeal – just no oats required!

Why This Recipe Works

• Simple Ingredients: All you need for this delicious quinoa porridge is just 5 ingredients (water included)! Nothing fancy is required for this easy breakfast recipe.

• Ready in No Time: You can literally make a bowl of warm quinoa porridge from scratch in under 5 minutes, which is a great way to enjoy a comforting and nutritious breakfast even if you’re short on time. No more excuses to skip breakfast! Keep this recipe handy because you’ll be making it over and over again!

• Totally Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan: Best of all, this recipe is 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, which means that even those who have Celiac disease, or gluten and dairy intolerances, or even those simply on a gluten-free or vegan diet can enjoy it.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for this easy quinoa porridge recipe.

(For exact measurements and quantities, please scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

• Quinoa Flakes: Quinoa flakes are NOT interchangeable with uncooked quinoa seeds – quinoa flakes behave like instant oats and cook up in much less time than raw quinoa seeds. I do NOT recommend that you substitute it with quinoa seeds. If you do so, note that you will require a much longer cooking time, and even more milk and water for the porridge to reach its desired creamy consistency.

• Sugar: I used white granulated sugar in this case, but feel free to use brown sugar or coconut sugar if you prefer. Add until sweet enough to taste.

• Ground Cinnamon: I like adding ground cinnamon for extra flavor and natural sweetness. It also adds some color to the porridge. However, if you don’t like cinnamon, feel free to leave it out. You can add a teaspoon vanilla extract if you prefer it to cinnamon.

• Almond Milk: I like using my 5-minute homemade almond milk for this creamy quinoa porridge recipe. However, feel free to use another non-dairy milk such as cashew milk, rice milk, sunflower milk, coconut milk or soy milk. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal dairy milk instead.

How to Make Quinoa Porridge (Step by Step)

1. Combine Dry Ingredients

Combine quinoa flakes, ground cinnamon, and sugar in a small pot (you can also use a medium saucepan instead). Mix to combine.

2. Add Wet Ingredients

Add almond milk and water, and stir to combine.

3. Cook on Moderate Heat

Cook the ingredients over medium heat on stove, stirring gently. The porridge should start to bubble and thicken within 2 minutes (reduce the heat if it starts bubbling too much).

Once the porridge is ready and has reached its desired consistency (no more than 3 to 4 minutes), remove it from heat. If the porridge has become too thick during cooking, add an extra splash of milk or water.

4. Garnish and Serve

Divide quinoa porridge between 4 small bowls and serve with fresh berries, a sprinkle of quinoa flakes and ground cinnamon. Drizzle with maple syrup if desired.

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

• Toppings: I highly recommend topping this delicious porridge with fresh fruit (such as berries, banana, peaches or kiwi), quinoa flakes, chia seeds, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. I also like it with a generous drizzle of maple syrup. You can also top it with granola, chopped nuts or coconut chips for extra crunch, or use your favorite toppings instead.

• Eat this Porridge Warm or Cold: I’ve tried this porridge both warm just after cooking, and as cold leftovers the next day. Both are delicious. I love how versatile this porridge is – if it’s a cool morning, heat up the leftover porridge in the microwave and eat it warm. If it’s a hot day, eat it straight from the fridge for a cool, refreshing treat!

• Make it Creamier: I used almond milk because that’s what I always have on hand. However, if you want an even creamier porridge, you can use full-fat coconut milk instead.

• Make a Savory Porridge: In this case, I’ve made a slightly sweet breakfast porridge by adding sugar and cinnamon. If you prefer eating savory porridge instead, feel free to leave out the sugar and cinnamon, and add salt and herbs instead! You can also drizzle some sesame oil and sprinkle some chopped spring onions over!

• Make a Big Batch: This recipe makes 4 servings, but you can double or triple it to make a larger batch (and store it in the refrigerator for a few days), so you can enjoy it over the next few days.

Recipes FAQs:

Quinoa Recipes You’ll Love:

• Soft, Fluffy Yeast Quinoa Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Honey Quinoa Bread (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Warm Quinoa Salad with Butternut Squash, Arugula, & Avocado
• Quinoa, Butternut Squash and Kale Salad
• Quinoa and Minced Beef Stuffed Bell Peppers

Other Breakfast Bowls to Enjoy:

• Warm Millet Bowl with Mushrooms and Kale (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Creamy Millet Breakfast Porridge (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Blueberry and Almond Flaxseed Porridge (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Maple Peach Oatmeal (Gluten-Free)

Easy Recipes for Breakfast to Indulge In:

P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!

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