Seared Plums & Cinnamon Quinoa Recipe
Welcome to a vibrant world of flavors with Seared Plums & Cinnamon Quinoa. This dish is a delightful harmony of tart, caramelized plums and fluffy spiced quinoa, all brought together by creamy vanilla yogurt. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a brunch-worthy centerpiece, bursting with color and sweet fragrance. Whether you’re searching for a wholesome breakfast, a wow-factor brunch, or a light and special dessert, Seared Plums & Cinnamon Quinoa wraps comfort, nourishment, and a touch of elegance into every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Seared Plums & Cinnamon Quinoa is refreshingly simple, but each component plays an irreplaceable role in building dimension and delight. From the juicy plums to the aromatic spices, you’ll find nothing is wasted and everything is purposeful.
- Quinoa: Choose a fluffy, good-quality quinoa as the base—its slight nuttiness pairs beautifully with fruit and spices.
- Plums: Small, ripe plums will caramelize wonderfully and lend that sweet-tart punch.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash will perfume the fruit and tie together the dessert-like flavors.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Adds complexity and a little brightness to enhance the natural juices of the plums.
- Fresh Thyme: Stripping the leaves off sprigs gives a subtle herbal note that makes the whole dish pop.
- Granulated Sugar (or Honey): Sweetens and helps to create that irresistible jammy finish on the plums.
- Cinnamon: Warm and comforting, cinnamon turns plain quinoa into something special.
- Allspice, Nutmeg, and Ginger: A dash of each brings depth and complexity to the spiced quinoa.
- Vanilla Bean Yogurt: Creamy and tangy, it balances the warmth of the spices and richness of the fruit.
- Olive Oil & Kosher Salt: These round out the flavors and help to create beautiful sear and seasoning throughout.
How to Make Seared Plums & Cinnamon Quinoa
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
Start by preparing your quinoa according to the package instructions. If you have a rice cooker, the foolproof 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water is perfect. Cook until the grains are tender and fluffy. Once done, set the cooked quinoa aside so it has time to steam and cool slightly, allowing the grains to separate and get ready for all the spices you’ll add later.
Step 2: Prep the Plums
Preheat your oven to 400°F while you slice your plums in half and remove the pits. Toss these gem-like halves in a large bowl with vanilla extract, red wine vinegar, the leaves from fresh thyme sprigs, and half of your sugar or honey. Mixing these together not only coats the fruit but also starts to draw out their juice, making a naturally luscious syrup.
Step 3: Sear the Plums
Place a cast iron pan over medium heat and lay the plums cut-side down. Give them about 2 minutes, letting the heat concentrate their sugars until you see a deep, slightly charred color. Flip and repeat for another 2 minutes. The sizzle and aroma at this point is absolutely intoxicating! Once both sides have beautiful color, remove the plums to a plate and quickly wipe out your pan.
Step 4: Spice the Quinoa
Now, back to that fluffy quinoa—stir in the cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. These spices will cozy up to the quinoa and turn it into a fragrant, lightly sweet base, perfectly prepped for the jammy fruit.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Evenly distribute the spiced quinoa into your wiped cast iron skillet. Circle back to your seared plums and press them gently into the quinoa, cut side up, then sprinkle over the remaining sugar for an inviting caramelized top. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, until the plums glisten, oozing into the crisped edges of quinoa. The fragrance from the oven will have everyone wandering into the kitchen!
Step 6: Serve with Yogurt
To serve, spoon a billowy dollop of vanilla bean yogurt into each bowl, followed by the warm cinnamon quinoa and two plum halves. The coolness of the yogurt against the jammy plums and aromatic quinoa is an unbeatable contrast—make sure to dig in while everything’s fresh and warm.
How to Serve Seared Plums & Cinnamon Quinoa
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a final flourish. Try a few extra fresh thyme leaves scattered over the top for aroma, a dusting of cinnamon, or a drizzle of local honey for shine and decadence. A sprinkle of chopped pistachios or toasted almonds adds an irresistible crunch.
Side Dishes
Seared Plums & Cinnamon Quinoa is lovely all on its own, but it also plays well with others! Pair it with a mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette for a brunch spread, or serve alongside a platter of smoked salmon and herby frittata for a whimsical breakfast-for-dinner lineup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a showstopper, try serving the quinoa and plums in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or arrange everything parfait-style in tall glasses for a playful take. The colors and layers are stunning, and guests will adore the fun presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Seared Plums & Cinnamon Quinoa will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store the quinoa and plums together, but keep the yogurt separate so everything stays fresh and maintains its best texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the baked quinoa and plums (without the yogurt). Portion into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to one month. Just make sure to let everything cool down before freezing to prevent excess moisture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave the quinoa and plums until heated through, or warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Stir well to revive the flavors, and serve with a fresh swirl of yogurt to bring it all back to life.
FAQs
Can I use other fruit instead of plums?
Absolutely! Apricots or even peaches make delicious stand-ins for this recipe. Choose firm, slightly underripe fruit for the best searing and baking texture.
Is Seared Plums & Cinnamon Quinoa gluten-free?
Yes, the entire dish is naturally gluten-free since quinoa is a seed, not a grain. Just make sure any yogurt you use is also certified gluten-free if you have allergies.
Can I make Seared Plums & Cinnamon Quinoa vegan?
You sure can! Swap out the yogurt for your favorite dairy-free option and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey, and you’re all set.
Can I substitute dried herbs for fresh thyme?
Fresh thyme really shines here, but if it’s all you have, use about a third of the amount of dried thyme to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors.
What’s the best way to meal prep this dish?
Prepare the quinoa and seared plums up to two days in advance, storing the yogurt separately. Simply warm the quinoa and plums and assemble with fresh yogurt right before serving for a quick, hassle-free meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a boldly flavorful, crowd-pleasing recipe that celebrates seasonal fruit, give this Seared Plums & Cinnamon Quinoa a spot on your table. Each spoonful is a little love letter to wholesome mornings and sweet creativity—so don’t wait to try it!
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Seared Plums & Cinnamon Quinoa Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet, seared plums and warm cinnamon-infused quinoa topped with creamy vanilla yogurt. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and wholesome meal or dessert.
Ingredients
Quinoa:
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
Seared Plums:
- 4 small plums
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme (stems removed)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (or honey)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp each of allspice, nutmeg, and ginger
Additional:
- 1 cup vanilla bean yogurt
- Olive oil and kosher salt as needed
Instructions
- Cook Quinoa: Prepare quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside once cooked.
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare Plums: Halve and pit the plums. Toss them with vanilla, red wine vinegar, thyme, and 1 tbsp sugar.
- Sear Plums: Sear plums face down in a cast iron pan until slightly charred.
- Prepare Quinoa: Mix spices into cooked quinoa and spread it in the cast iron pan.
- Add Plums: Place seared plums on top of quinoa, sprinkle with sugar, and bake at 400°F.
- Serve: Serve with a scoop of vanilla yogurt and enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the spice blend in the quinoa to suit your taste preferences.
- Feel free to drizzle a bit of honey over the finished dish for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: Modern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Seared plums, Cinnamon quinoa, Dessert recipe, Vanilla yogurt, Fruit dessert
