Bright, warm, and lightly spiced, this Spiced Blueberry Quinoa is a quick and comforting dish you can eat for breakfast, as a side, or a healthy dessert. Fluffy quinoa mixes with juicy blueberries and cinnamon-scented warmth. The texture is tender with tiny pops from the berries. If you enjoy cozy spice flavors, you might also like this elegant spiced gingerbread truffles for a sweet, related treat.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving — assumes 4 servings, uses 1 cup quinoa, 1 cup blueberries, 1 tbsp honey, water for cooking)
- Calories per serving: 195 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
Note: Using vegetable broth or adding salt will raise sodium. Adding nuts increases calories and fat.
Why Make This Spiced Blueberry Quinoa
This recipe is fast and flexible. It comes together in about 20 minutes. The quinoa soaks up the spice and keeps a light, slightly nutty chew. Blueberries add bright sweetness and a juicy pop. It smells of cinnamon and warm nutmeg while cooking. Serve it warm for a cozy morning or chilled for a refreshing snack. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan with maple syrup.
How to Make Spiced Blueberry Quinoa
You’ll rinse the quinoa, cook it until tender, then fold in berries and spices. The heat gently releases the blueberry juices so the quinoa takes on color and a little jammy texture. Stir in honey or maple syrup if you like it sweeter. Finish with a pinch of salt and crunchy nuts for contrast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Rinse the quinoa under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes the natural bitter coating (saponin) and helps the quinoa taste clean and nutty.
Step 2: Mixing
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Cooking
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 2 minutes to steam.
Step 4: Finishing
Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Stir in the blueberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey or maple syrup if using. Taste and season with salt to bring out the flavors. Serve warm and garnish with chopped nuts if desired.
How to Serve Spiced Blueberry Quinoa
- Serve warm for breakfast with a splash of milk or yogurt. The quinoa will be soft and slightly creamy.
- Use it as a warm fruit side for brunch plates or roasted fruit salads.
- Chill and serve over greens for a sweet grain salad, or spoon into bowls with a dollop of Greek yogurt and toasted almonds for dessert.
- For a heartier meal, add a spoonful of nut butter or a scoop of cottage cheese.
How to Store Spiced Blueberry Quinoa
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or milk to restore moisture.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. Texture may change slightly after freezing.
- Tip: If you plan to store it, leave nuts off until serving to keep them crunchy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Spiced Blueberry Quinoa
- Rinse quinoa well to remove bitterness and get a cleaner flavor.
- Toast the dry quinoa in the pan for 2 minutes before adding water for a nuttier taste.
- Use broth for a savory twist; use water for a neutral base that highlights blueberries.
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw first — add them directly to the hot quinoa so they release color without becoming mushy.
- Adjust sweetness after cooking. Honey or maple syrup should be added little by little.
- For creamier texture, stir in a splash of milk or coconut milk just before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Apple-Cinnamon: Swap blueberries for diced apples and add a pinch of ground ginger.
- Maple Pecan: Replace honey with 2 tbsp maple syrup and garnish with toasted pecans.
- Citrus Blueberry: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for bright citrus notes.
- Savory Spin: Omit sweetener and fruit, add herbs, toasted nuts, and a squeeze of lemon for a savory grain side.
- Chocolate Berry: Stir in a teaspoon of cocoa powder and top with dark chocolate shavings for a dessert twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries?
A: Yes. Add frozen berries directly to the hot quinoa after cooking. They will thaw quickly and release color. They may make the quinoa slightly moister.
Q: Do I need to rinse quinoa?
A: It’s recommended. Rinsing removes the natural coating that can taste bitter. Rinse under cold water until it runs clear.
Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes. Make it and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or milk. Add nuts and fresh fruit just before serving.
Q: How can I make it vegan?
A: Use maple syrup instead of honey. Use water or vegetable broth for cooking.
Q: What if my quinoa is dry after reheating?
A: Add a tablespoon or two of water, milk, or plant milk while reheating. Stir gently until it reaches the desired creaminess.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Double ingredients and use a larger pot. Cooking time stays roughly the same, but the pot may need a little more time to come to a boil.
Q: Is this dish high in protein?
A: Quinoa is a good plant protein source. Per serving this recipe provides about 6 g of protein. Add nuts or yogurt to increase protein.
Conclusion
This Spiced Blueberry Quinoa is easy, cozy, and full of color and flavor. It smells of cinnamon, tastes gently sweet with bright berry notes, and offers a pleasant, slightly chewy texture. Try it for a quick breakfast, a light dessert, or a warm side. For another version and step-by-step photos, see Spiced Blueberry Quinoa Recipe: How to Make It. Enjoy, and have fun making the recipe your own!
Print
Spiced Blueberry Quinoa
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
A quick and comforting dish with fluffy quinoa, juicy blueberries, and warm spices, perfect for breakfast or as a healthy dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold running water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups water or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Let it sit, covered, for 2 minutes to steam.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Stir in the blueberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey or maple syrup if using. Taste and season with salt. Serve warm and garnish with chopped nuts if desired.
Notes
For creamier texture, stir in a splash of milk or coconut milk just before serving. Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Leave nuts off until serving to keep them crunchy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
