Coconut quinoa [refined sugar free]


I have to admit, I’ve never been a quinoa lover. But this coconut quinoa has changed my mind completely. Over the last couple of months, I must have made it at least four times, and given one batch will give you about 4 to 5 portions, that should give you an idea of how much I’ve been enjoying it.
And why? This coconut quinoa makes for a super tasty, healthy, filling breakfast. It tastes like delicious smooth coconuty goodness and you can dress it up anyway you like – fresh ruit, extra sweetener like honey or maple syrup, drizzle of nut butter, homemade jam (try mango or cherry berry), homemade chocolate fudge sauce, use whatever you love on your breakfast. And, as it warms in the microwave or on the stove, it smells absolutely amazing, like a warm coconut with these beautiful earthy nutty background notes, it’s a wonderful enticing treat for all your senses. You really need to try this!

Coconut quinoa meal prep
One of the best things about this coconut quinoa (right after the amazing taste and scent, of course) is the fact that by cooking this on a Sunday night, you can meal prep your breakfast for the whole following week (and, by dressing it differently every day, have a slightly different breakfast every day)!
It easily warms up in your microwave or on the stove and it provides you with breakfast which is “real food” and really good for you. It’s filling but won’t make you feel too heavy, and the energy it gives easily lasts until lunch.
What’s so good about quinoa?
I’ve been reading a lot about the all around goodness of quinoa and have been wanting to use it more for a long time, but I had not particularly enjoyed the texture until I tried making sweet quinoa.
If you’re like me and you look at plain or savoury quinoa suspiciously (and from a safe distance), then don’t turn away just yet – give me (and this sweet quinoa) a chance.
That’s because quinoa is gluten-free, high in protein and one of the few plant foods that contain sufficient amounts of all nine essential amino acids. It is also high in fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E and various beneficial antioxidants.
So, you see? It’s really super nutritious. Also, a fun fact – quinoa is not grain, but rather a pseudo-cereal which means it’s basically a seed, which is prepared and eaten similarly to a grain.

How difficult is it to prepare this coconut quinoa?
It honestly couldn’t be easier. If you read my recipes often enough, you will have noticed there’s a trend here – I am looking for maximum flavour for a minimal effort. This is one of those recipes. This quinoa doesn’t even look that great but when you taste it, believe me – you won’t regret making this!
And yes, so this is the kind of recipe where you dump all the ingredients in a pot and slowly cook them, stirring occasionally, until it’s done. Very little effort, big results. (This should really be the slogan of this blog, don’t you think?)
So, go on, make a batch today and enjoy eating this over the course of your week – or share it with your loved ones. This coconut quinoa makes for a great breakfast for the whole family and with quinoa grain (oops, seed) being so small (and so squishy), it should be perfectly suitable for little ones too. Nutri
Coconut quinoa [refined sugar free]
Ingredients
- 1 cup organic tri-colour quinoa (or any other quinoa)
- 1 litre (4 cups) drinking coconut milk (i.e. the kind out of a tetra pack)
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 to 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 to 1 tsp speculaas spice mix or cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla paste (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under running water.
- Place all ingredients (except for vanilla) in a heavy bottomed pot and bring to the boil over high heat.
- Turn the heat down to low to medium and simmer for about 35 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has been absorbed. At the beginning, it will look like you have way too much liquid in there but don't worry – it will all get absorbed.
- Once the liquid has been absorbed and the quinoa is looking translucent and fluffy, take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla.
- Let cool slightly and either consume immediately or store in the fridge (see notes below).
Notes

Recipe notes
This recipe makes about 4 to 5 servings. You can dress the quinoa with your favourite toppings, whether it’s adding more sweetener like honey or maple syrup, homemade jam, drizzle of nut butter or sliced fresh fruit.
This coconut quinoa is best eaten warm. If you’re not eating it all immediately, store it in the fridge and then re-heat your portion in the microwave or on the stove. A quick minute or two at 50% power should be enough.
The quinoa will last about 5 days in the fridge.

82 Comments
Molly Pisula
Wow, this looks so good, and I have never thought of doing quinoa this way before! Also, I need to immediately make a Speculaas spice mix–how fantastic does that sound??
Katerina
Thanks so much Molly, it’s really super delicious and very cosy for when the weather starts to cool down. And yes, please make a batch of the speculaas spices, they go with everything, you definitely won’t regret it!
Nancy
Oooh I never heard of coconut quinoa until now! I always treated quinoa as an alternative to rice. Never thought of eating it for breakfast! I love that it is easy to make and so healthy as well! You can never go wrong with adding some honey as well. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ✨ exquisitely.me
Katerina
Thank you so much, Nancy! I really appreciate your kind comment.
Balvinder
The recipe sounds delicious! I love quinoa but normally I make it savory version and once in a while eat it with fruits.
Katerina
Perhaps I need to give the savoury version another go! Thanks so much, Balvinder!
tonya
You definitely didn’t leave any healthy stoned unturned. This is bursting with HEATHY combinations! Such a WIN!!
Katerina
Ohhhh, thanks so much, Tonya, you’re so kind! Your comment has just made my day! Much appreciated.
Emily
I’ll be completely honest, I’ve never had quinoa before! I’m not really sure why but it’s just never appealed to me. That said, I love coconut so I’m really tempted to try this – your photos make it look especially gorgeous!
Musings & More
Katerina
Thanks so much Emily – I hope you do give it a go, I’m loving this delicious cozy breakfast right now!
Linger
Hi Katerina. I have been on a quinoa kick lately and I can’t tell you how delightful this sounds. I love how simple yet flavorful your recipe looks. Can’t wait to try it. As always, thanks for sharing.
Katerina
Thanks so much for your kind comment, Kristy, much appreciated!
Jeff the Chef
I love quinoa. And breakfast is one of my favorite meals! So this is perfect for me.
Katerina
I’m so glad you think so! Thanks very much, Jeff!
Ashley
Quinoa is seriously such a superfood!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
Katerina
Absolutely! Thanks Ashley.
Leanne
I eat quite a bit of quinoa but usually enjoy it in savoury dishes. I’ve been meaning to try it for breakfast and this looks like just the recipe for me. Love that it’s refined sugar free!
Katerina
I’m really glad to hear it, Leanne, let me know how you go!
Mercy
You’re such a big inspiration, I like this one and I’ve been looking something like it for a healthy breakfast. I’ve been wondering how to make quinoa taste good and easy to prepare. Thanks dear for sharing!
http://www.busyandfab.com
Katerina
Much appreciated, Mercy, I’m so glad to hear it. I hope you enjoy it!
Miri
Looks like a perfect new breakfast option! Haven’t cooked a lot with quinoa but this recipe sounds soo good!
lots of love, Miri
http://www.meetmiri.com
Katerina
Thanks so much Miri, let me know if you try it!
Shea
I do like quinoa, and it’s only been recently that I’ve tried it for breakfast. I made something somewhat similar to this but with cocoa powder in it to make it chocolatey 🙂 This looks really good!
Katerina
Ohhhh, chocolate quinoa sounds good – I need to try it out! Thanks so much, Shea!
Auggie
I on the other hand love quinoa and will absolutely love this as breakfast. Thanks so much for sharing and writing such a pleasant post to read 🙂
Katerina
Thanks so much, Auggie, I’m so glad you think so!
Christie
Sounds so wonderful with the coconut flavours Katerina! I love quinoa for all it’s wonderful benefits so this is a total must try! Thanks for sharing this my friend!
Katerina
Thanks so much, Christie, it’s definitely super good for you!
Jill
I never thought of quinoa for breakfast but this looks absolutely delicious! It would be a nice change from oatmeal!
Jill – Doused in Pink
Katerina
Thanks very much Jill, it really is!
Rosemary
ooo and I STILL have a massive bag of quinoa that I need to use up from costco! I tried making quinoa for breakfast once and it didn’t turn out that tasty. I will definitely have to try adding that coconut for the flavor to mask the earthy quinoa taste!
Katerina
Haha.. those Costco sizes can be a curse sometimes! I do hope you enjoy it this way, Rosemary – thanks very much!
Georgia
I love how I can come to your blog and find something completely new – I’ve had quinoa in salads so often but have never even considered having it like this. It looks delicious, and what a great idea for breakfast. Bookmarking and making this asap!
//teandtwosugars.blogspot.com xx
Katerina
Thanks so much, Georgia – your kind words are much appreciated!
Julia Rees
This sounds and looks delicious!
I love the fact that it seems so simple to make and that you can batch cook it to make breakfast for the week ahead
Julia x
https://www.thevelvetrunway.com/
Katerina
Thank you Julia – much appreciated! The easiest meal prep I know!
Renuka Walter
I think this would be an excellent breakfast option. It’s been a while that I had quinoa. The only way I knew to cook it was like a porridge. Now I’m going to try this creative recipe.
Katerina
Thanks so much Renuka! I hope you enjoy this as much as I do!
Honeycombee
I never thought to introduce quinoa into breakfast. I’ve been having the usual oatmeal but got so tired of it recently. This will definitely add a little extra to my morning meal =o) Thanks for the inspiration x Katerina
http://honeycombee.com/
Katerina
Thanks so much, Katerina, much appreciated!
Dennis Yannakos
Simple. easy and healthy breakfast! Love it!
Katerina
Thanks so much, Dennis, much appreciated!
Heidi | The Frugal Girls
What a delicious idea! I love quinoa and coconut, but never thought to combine the two! Thank you!!
Katerina
Thanks very much Heidi, much appreciated!
CoCo
No playing, Katerina, we were JUST talking about trying to find other things to have for breakfast besides oatmeal and avocado toast. I’m so excited to try this recipe. We substitute quinoa for rice a lot but I never thought about having it for breakfast. I’m sure we already have the ingredients we need to make this hearty and healthy breakfast. It looks so good! Thanks so much for the fabulous idea! Hugs, CoCo
Katerina
Ohhhh, perfect timing then, CoCo! I do hope you enjoy it – we really do!
Layla Rosita
This recipe sounds absolutely delicious! I’ve never tried quinoa for breakfast before, only in combination with veggies or a salad. But I do love coconut, so I must try this some time!
Xx, Layla Rosita | http://www.laylarosita.com
Katerina
Thanks so much, Layla, I hope you enjoy it!
Kate
Holy YUM! And love that you said it’s easy to prepare <3
Katerina
Thanks Kate!
Rach
Love quinoa and this sounds delicious!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Katerina
Thanks Rach!
David @ Spiced
I used to have the same feelings about quinoa. I eyed it suspiciously from a distance for sure. But I finally broke down and starting learning how to make it – and now I love it! (Have you tried toasting it in a dry skillet first? It smells like peanut butter!) However, I’ve never had a sweet version of quinoa. I’m so intrigued by this idea. It sounds like a fun alternative to oatmeal!
Katerina
Thanks for the tip, David, I’ll definitely try toasting it first – maybe that’s the secret! Sweet quinoa is a total revelation for me – I hope you like it too!
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
I have never heard of Coconut quinoa, but I haven’t really tried quinoa before! But, ohhh it looks delicious in these photos.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Katerina
Thanks so much, Carrie! It’s really delicious made this way!
Laura Bambrick
I’ve never tried quinoa this way but it looks and sounds amazing! I love the idea of it as a breakfast food!
Katerina
Thanks so much, Laura! It’s totally new for me too but I’m enjoying it so much like this!
sherry
yes i too find quinoa a bit hard to swallow! no flavour and not much texture. not a fave. i made rice pudding last week with coconut milk in a tetra pak rather than a tin but was horrified to see it was about 93% water! the only bit of coconut was 7.5%!! i think i’ll take my chances with the bpa – tee hee 🙂
Katerina
Yep, the drinking coconut milk is pretty runny and that’s a good thing in this recipe, Sherry!
Sophie
This looks delicious! I love sweet quinoa, I make a chocolate version for breakfast sometimes and it’s always delicious. I’ve never tried bigger batches and reheating it though, I need to try that x
Sophie
Katerina
Ohhhh yum! I need to try chocolate quinoa – that sounds so delish, Sophie!
Lauren
I was just telling my friend how I’ve yet to find a quinoa recipe I enjoy. In salads, I honestly can’t stand the stuff. But I’d never thought to make it like this! It sounds and looks delicious. I’ll definitely be trying!
Katerina
Thanks so much! Sweet quinoa has honestly been a revelation to me. Hope you enjoy this, Lauren!
Allie Mackin
Oh I LOVE coconut! I will have to try this! I still want to make that no bake cake!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Katerina
Thanks Allie! Hope you enjoy both!
Gemma
You won’t believe this, but I’ve never even tried quinoa before! I have been living under a gigantic culinary rock, but this recipe sounds delicious xo
Makeup Muddle
Katerina
Haha.. I don’t think the first time I had quinoa was that long ago, Gemma, so you’re definitely not alone there! Thanks so much for your kind words!
jodie filogomo
Okay, okay, I’ll make this!! We were in heaven when we had coconut rice, so I bet this is similar.
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Katerina
The texture is slightly different but the taste should be similar – except this is truly a sweet dish. Hope you enjoy this, Jodie, and thank you!
Danai @ Living, Learning, Eating
That looks delicious, I’m adding it to my list! I’m trying to eat as healthy as possible at the moment (I’m pregnant!) so I love that it’s whole grain, high in protein, and refined sugar free!
Katerina
Thanks so much, Danai! This sounds like a great addition to your diet then – congratulations on your pregnancy!
Healthy World Cuisine
Katerina, this is a fantastic idea. Quinoa is really high in protein too so sure to keep you going strong all morning long. We get bored with the usual oatmeal but this is a fun way to switch things up for a warm and delicious breakfast.
Katerina
Yes, that’s exactly what I thought – it’s a fab alternative to porridge and so filling! Thanks so much for your comment!
Kathrine Eldridge
I have looked at quinoa suspiciously but maybe I need to give it a chance. This recipe looks and sounds delicious!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Katerina
I don’t blame you, I was exactly the same, Kathrine! But I hope this recipe changes your mind. Thanks so much!
Tasia ~ two sugar bugs
Oh! This looks lovely Katerina!! I happen to love both quinoa and coconut so this seems like it should be making it’s way to my kitchen soon!
Katerina
That definitely sounds like it’s meant for you then, Tasia! I hope you enjoy it!
Jeanne
Wow! I’ve honestly never prepared quinoa before, but this looks good!
http://www.jeannieinabottleblog.com
Katerina
Thanks very much, Jeanne!
Jill
This recipe looks absolutely delicious! I tried to make breakfast quinoa once, but it tasted boring because I don’t think I added enough to make the quinoa sweet and tasty. I will definitely be giving this recipe a try. Thanks for sharing!
Jill
https://jilliancecilia.com/
Katerina
Thanks so much, Jill! I always thought quinoa was pretty boring myself until I started eating this! I hope it changes your mind about quinoa too.