Cranberry Bone Broth Quinoa Recipe

Published at: August 19, 2026

Cranberry Bone Broth Quinoa Recipe

Looking for an easy, flavorful side dish that comes together in one pan? This Cranberry Bone Broth Quinoa simmers quinoa in Kroma's 24K Beef Bone Broth with sautéed onion and fresh herbs, then finishes with crunchy walnuts and sweet dried cranberries for a savory-sweet dish that pairs with just about anything.

This recipe is the perfect Kroma's Reset-approved side dish for a weeknight dinner or a holiday spread — ready in about 25 minutes.


WHERE DID QUINOA PILAF COME FROM?

Quinoa has been a staple grain in Andean cuisine for thousands of years, prized for its nutty flavor and complete protein profile. As quinoa gained popularity worldwide, cooks began preparing it the same way rice pilaf is traditionally made — simmered in a seasoned broth with aromatics, dried fruit, and nuts — to build layers of flavor into every bite. This cranberry and walnut version draws on that same pilaf tradition while swapping in a rich, savory bone broth as the cooking liquid.



WHY CRANBERRY BONE BROTH QUINOA?

This recipe builds its flavor around Kroma's 24K Beef Bone Broth, which replaces plain water as the cooking liquid for the quinoa, adding rich depth of flavor and a boost of collagen to support joint, gut, and skin health. Sautéed onion and fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage build a warm, savory base, while chopped walnuts add crunch and dried cranberries bring a touch of natural sweetness. The result is a simple, versatile side dish that's just as at home on a weeknight dinner table as it is at a holiday gathering.

It's gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and ready in about 25 minutes.



INGREDIENTS FOR CRANBERRY BONE BROTH QUINOA

Serves 4

  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 sprigs each rosemary, thyme, and sage, diced
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • ½ tsp salt and pepper
  • 1 cup dry quinoa, rinsed well
  • 2 cups Kroma's 24K Beef Bone Broth
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • Fresh thyme sprig, for garnish



HOW TO MAKE CRANBERRY BONE BROTH QUINOA

Sauté the Aromatics

  • Dice the onion and chop the walnuts.
  • Add the avocado oil, chopped onion, and diced herbs to a saucepan over medium heat and sauté until the onion is just soft, about 5 minutes.

Cook the Quinoa

  • Add the Kroma's 24K Beef Bone Broth, rinsed quinoa, walnuts, salt, and pepper into the pan and stir.
  • Cover with a lid and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed the liquid.

Finish and Serve

  • Once cooked, stir in the dried cranberries.
  • Serve with a sprig of fresh thyme.



BENEFITS OF CRANBERRY BONE BROTH QUINOA

This isn't just a flavorful side dish — it's built to nourish you:

  • Supports Joint and Gut Health: Kroma's 24K Beef Bone Broth provides collagen and essential nutrients that support healthy joints, gut, and skin.
  • Complete Plant Protein: Quinoa is one of the few plant foods that contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.
  • Healthy Fats: Walnuts add a source of healthy fats along with a satisfying crunch.
  • Naturally Sweetened: Dried cranberries provide natural sweetness, balancing the savory herbs and broth.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free: Made entirely with gluten-free ingredients, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.



TIPS FOR THE BEST CRANBERRY BONE BROTH QUINOA

  • Rinse the Quinoa Well: Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can otherwise give the dish a slightly bitter or soapy taste.
  • Keep the Lid On: Resist lifting the lid while the quinoa simmers, since trapped steam is what helps it cook evenly and absorb the broth fully.
  • Chop Herbs Finely: Finely dicing the fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage helps distribute their flavor evenly throughout the dish.
  • Fluff Before Serving: Once the liquid is fully absorbed, fluff the quinoa gently with a fork before stirring in the cranberries.
  • Toast the Walnuts: For extra flavor, lightly toast the walnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the dish.



SERVING SUGGESTIONS

  • Classic Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted or grilled chicken, salmon, or pork for a complete meal.
  • Make it a Main: Add a source of protein, like grilled chicken or chickpeas, directly into the quinoa for a heartier, standalone dish.
  • Holiday Spread: This recipe's warm, savory-sweet flavors make it a great addition to a holiday or potluck table.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Portion into containers for an easy grab-and-go side dish throughout the week.

This Cranberry Bone Broth Quinoa brings together the richness of Kroma's 24K Beef Bone Broth, the warmth of fresh herbs, and the sweet-savory combination of walnuts and cranberries for a simple, versatile side dish. It's a simple, feel-good way to support your wellness journey — one bowl at a time.



ENJOY!

Last Edited: August 19, 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is cranberry bone broth quinoa healthy?

Yes. It's made from whole-food ingredients — quinoa, bone broth, walnuts, and dried cranberries — offering a good balance of complete plant protein, healthy fats, and nutrients in one dish.

What makes Kroma 24K Beef Bone Broth special?

Kroma 24K Beef Bone Broth is crafted with premium ingredients, providing a rich source of collagen and essential nutrients that support joint, gut, and skin health, while also adding deep, savory flavor to dishes like this quinoa.

Why do you need to rinse the quinoa before cooking?

Rinsing quinoa removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can give unrinsed quinoa a bitter or slightly soapy taste if it's not washed off first.

Can I substitute a different nut for walnuts?

Yes, pecans or slivered almonds both work well in place of walnuts if you prefer a different nut or have one on hand already.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

No, as written this recipe uses Kroma 24K Beef Bone Broth. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute a vegetable broth instead.

Can I make this quinoa ahead of time?

Yes. This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days, making it a great option for meal prep or holiday prep.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.