Indulge in the creamy, dreamy delight of Peruvian Quinoa Pudding, or "Quinua con Leche"! This comforting dessert is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nourishing option that’s easy to prepare. With a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of cinnamon, this dish transforms humble quinoa into a decadent pudding that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert to impress your guests or a wholesome snack for yourself, this recipe is your ticket to a delicious culinary adventure. Ready to dive into this delightful dish? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Peruvian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any saponin coating, which can create a bitter taste.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of milk, stirring gently to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Add the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt to the quinoa and milk mixture, whisking to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
- Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the quinoa is soft and has absorbed most of the milk, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- The pudding is ready when the quinoa is tender and the mixture has a creamy, porridge-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the pudding rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Serve warm in individual bowls, optionally garnishing with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or a few raisins if desired.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step is crucial to eliminate any saponin coating that can impart a bitter taste to your pudding.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste. If you prefer a healthier version, consider using honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
- Experiment with Milk: While the recipe calls for regular milk, you can easily substitute it with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
- Add Toppings: For an extra touch of flavor and texture, consider adding toppings such as chopped nuts, dried fruits, or a drizzle of honey before serving.
- Serve Warm or Chilled: This pudding is delicious both warm and chilled. If you prefer a cooler dessert, let it cool completely in the fridge before serving.
- Store Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The pudding will thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a splash of milk when reheating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 12mg
