Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bowl (Printer View)

A warm bowl with fluffy quinoa, tender apples, cinnamon, and nuts for a cozy morning boost.

# Components:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

→ Liquids

02 - 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or preferred plant-based milk
03 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Fruit

04 - 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced

→ Sweeteners & Spices

05 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup, plus additional for serving
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
08 - Pinch of salt

→ Toppings

09 - 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
10 - 1 tablespoon raisins or dried cranberries
11 - Extra apple slices for garnish (optional)

# Method:

01 - In a medium saucepan, mix quinoa, almond milk, vanilla extract, diced apple, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
02 - Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until quinoa is tender and the mixture is creamy.
03 - Remove from heat and let stand covered for 2–3 minutes. Fluff with a fork to separate grains.
04 - Divide into bowls and top with chopped nuts, dried fruit, and extra apple slices if desired. Drizzle with additional maple syrup to taste. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent but keeps you full without the sugar crash that comes from sweeter breakfast options.
  • Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is faster than brewing a second cup of coffee.
  • The texture is creamy enough to feel like dessert but packed with protein and fiber your body actually needs.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the quinoa or you'll end up with a bowl that tastes like it came from a health food store in the worst way.
  • Stir it a few times while it simmers or the bottom layer will scorch and ruin the whole batch, I've done it twice.
  • Let it rest after cooking, those extra minutes off the heat make the texture creamy instead of soupy.
03 -
  • Toast your nuts in a dry skillet for two minutes before adding them, it wakes up their flavor and makes them taste fresher.
  • If you like it extra creamy, use less liquid or let it simmer an extra few minutes uncovered to thicken it up naturally.
  • Make a double batch and portion it into jars for grab and go breakfasts that reheat better than anything from a drive through.
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