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To make this delicious porridge, you need just a few main items: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 ripe pears, peeled and diced - 4 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice) Quinoa is our star grain. It cooks up fluffy and adds protein. Ripe pears bring sweetness and creaminess. Almond milk makes it smooth and rich. Next, we add warmth and flavor with spices and sweeteners: - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 tablespoon maple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference) Cinnamon gives a cozy taste, while nutmeg adds depth. Maple syrup is the perfect natural sweetener. You can adjust it based on how sweet you like your porridge. For extra flavor and texture, consider these optional ingredients: - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional) - 1/4 cup dried cranberries (or raisins) - Fresh pear slices for topping Chopped walnuts add a nice crunch. Dried cranberries bring a tart note. Fresh pear slices on top make the dish look pretty and fresh. These additions help to make your breakfast porridge unique and delightful. Start by rinsing the quinoa. Rinsing removes the bitter coating. Use a fine mesh strainer for best results. Next, peel the pears. Dicing them into small pieces makes them cook evenly. Aim for bite-sized chunks. You want them to blend well into the porridge. In your slow cooker, combine the rinsed quinoa and diced pears. Add the almond milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together. This helps all the flavors mix. Make sure the quinoa is fully submerged in the milk. Once mixed, cover the slow cooker with its lid. For cooking, you have two options: low heat or high heat. On low heat, cook for 6 to 8 hours. This gives the quinoa a creamy texture. On high heat, it cooks in about 3 to 4 hours. Both methods work well. The quinoa will be fluffy, and the mixture will be creamy. To change the sweetness, use less or more maple syrup. Start with one tablespoon. Taste the porridge after cooking. If you want it sweeter, add more syrup. This lets you control the flavor. You can also use honey or agave if you like. For a creamy porridge, use enough liquid. Almond milk makes it smooth and rich. Make sure to stir the pot halfway through cooking. This helps blend the flavors and keep it fluffy. If it seems too thick, add a splash more milk before serving. Presentation adds joy to breakfast. Serve the porridge in rustic bowls. Top it with fresh pear slices and chopped walnuts. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth. A drizzle of maple syrup makes it look inviting. These touches make each bowl special and tasty. {{image_2}} You can switch out the pears for other fruits. Apples work well, too. You can also try berries. They add a nice burst of flavor. If you prefer, peaches or mangoes can be great choices in summer. For nuts, walnuts are nice, but pecans can add a different taste. You can even use sunflower seeds if you want a nut-free option. This allows you to make it your own! This recipe is easy to make vegan. Just use almond milk or another plant milk. It's also gluten-free since quinoa is naturally gluten-free. If you need nut-free, skip the walnuts and choose seeds. You can still enjoy a creamy texture without nuts. Always check labels for any hidden allergens, though. This way, everyone can enjoy the porridge! Want to add more flavor? Try mixing in vanilla extract. It pairs nicely with the sweet pears. You can also add fresh ginger for a spicy kick. Just a small amount can make a big difference. Both options are simple ways to make your porridge even better. Feel free to experiment with flavors that you love! After enjoying your Slow Cooker Spiced Pear Quinoa Breakfast Porridge, store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to five days. This way, your delicious porridge stays fresh and ready to eat. To keep the flavors intact, avoid using large containers. Smaller portions work best. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover porridge, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of almond milk for creaminess. Heat it on low, stirring often. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, about 30 seconds each, stirring between sessions. This keeps it from getting too hot or dry. You can freeze your porridge if you have more than you can eat. Let it cool completely before packing it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as described above for the best results. This method helps keep your meal tasty and enjoyable. Yes, you can use water. It will make the porridge lighter. However, almond milk adds creaminess and flavor. You can try other milks too, like oat or soy. Each will bring a unique taste to the dish. Quinoa is done when it looks fluffy and the grains open. You will see little spirals called germ around the grains. If it feels soft, it's ready. It usually takes about 15 minutes to cook, but in the slow cooker, it will take longer. Remember, the slow cooker makes it creamy. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time! You can mix the dry ingredients and store them in a container. When you are ready, just add the wet ingredients and cook. After cooking, store leftovers in the fridge. It stays good for about 4 days. For easy meals, reheat portions in the microwave or on the stove. This blog post showed you how to make a tasty quinoa porridge. You learned about the best ingredients like quinoa, pears, and almond milk. The post covered easy steps for cooking, plus tips for flavor and texture. With options for diet needs and storage advice, you have everything you need. Now, you can enjoy a warm bowl of quinoa porridge any time you like. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Spiced Pear Quinoa Breakfast Porridge

Start your day with a nutritious and delicious Slow Cooker Spiced Pear Quinoa Breakfast Porridge! This easy recipe combines fluffy quinoa with ripe pears and warm spices for a comforting morning meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can enjoy a creamy and satisfying breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings. Discover how to make this delightful porridge and click through for all the tasty details!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 ripe pears, peeled and diced

4 cups almond milk (or any milk of choice)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon maple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference)

1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1/4 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)

Pinch of salt

Fresh pear slices and additional walnuts for topping

Instructions
 

In the slow cooker, combine the rinsed quinoa, diced pears, almond milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt.

    Stir to evenly distribute the ingredients.

      Set the slow cooker on low heat and let it cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The quinoa should be fluffy and the mixture creamy.

        About 30 minutes before serving, add in the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries, stirring to combine so they're incorporated into the porridge.

          Once cooked, give the porridge a gentle stir before serving. Adjust sweetness if needed by adding more maple syrup.

            Serve warm, garnishing each bowl with fresh pear slices and additional walnuts.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 8 hours | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in rustic bowls topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup for an inviting breakfast experience.