Preheat oven to 350°. Use 1 tablespoon butter to grease a 1 1/2-quart baking or soufflé dish or eight (1/2-cup) ramekins. Coat buttered surface with ground nuts or cookie crumbs. Set aside.
Cream remaining 2 tablespoons butter and sugar. Stir in eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and salt until blended. Add quinoa, figs, and hazelnuts. Mix thoroughly.
Pour pudding mixture into baking dish or ramekins. Grate a little nutmeg over the top. Place in preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until just barely set.
Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes. To serve, spoon pudding from casserole or loosen edges with a knife and invert onto serving plate.