Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Breakfast is a delightful way to start your day, combining the wholesome goodness of quinoa with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and fresh apples. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers a nutritious boost to fuel your morning. Originating from ancient Andean cultures, quinoa has been cherished for centuries as a superfood, and when paired with the sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon and the crispness of apples, it transforms into a breakfast that is both satisfying and energizing.
People love this Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Breakfast for its incredible taste and texture. The fluffy quinoa serves as a perfect base, while the tender apples add a delightful sweetness, and the cinnamon brings everything together with its aromatic warmth. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a cozy breakfast to enjoy on a leisurely weekend, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or almond milk (for creaminess)
- 1 medium apple, diced (I love using Granny Smith for a tart flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for crunch)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh fruit and additional nuts for topping (optional)
Preparing the Quinoa
- Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water. This step is crucial as it removes the natural coating called saponin, which can give the quinoa a bitter taste. I usually place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it thoroughly for about 30 seconds.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water or almond milk. I prefer almond milk for a creamier texture, but water works just fine too.
- Add a pinch of salt to the mixture. This enhances the flavor of the quinoa as it cooks.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. During this time, the quinoa will absorb the liquid and become fluffy.
- After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat but keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the quinoa to steam and become even fluffier.
- Once the quinoa has steamed, uncover it and fluff it with a fork. Set it aside while we prepare the apple mixture.
Preparing the Apple Mixture
- In a medium skillet, add the diced apple. I like to leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients, but feel free to peel it if you prefer.
- Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the apples. The aroma of cinnamon is just heavenly and pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples.
- Add the maple syrup or honey to the skillet. This will help caramelize the apples and add a touch of sweetness. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.
- Cook the apple mixture over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the apples to soften but still retain some of their shape. If you like them a bit more tender, feel free to cook them a little longer.
- If you’re using nuts and dried fruits, add them to the skillet during the last minute of cooking. This will warm them up and enhance their flavors.
Combining the Quinoa and Apple Mixture
- Once the apple mixture is ready, add the cooked quinoa to the skillet. Stir everything together gently to combine the flavors. The quinoa will soak up the delicious cinnamon and apple goodness.
- Drizzle in the vanilla extract and give it another good stir. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.
- Let the mixture cook together for another 2-3 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving the Cinnamon Apple Quinoa
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, it’s time to serve! Spoon the quinoa mixture into bowls.
- Top with fresh fruit, additional nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup if you like it sweeter. I often add a few slices of banana or a handful of berries for a pop of color and freshness.
- Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of Cinnamon Apple Quinoa! It’s perfect for breakfast or even as a healthy snack throughout the day.
Storage Tips
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier!
- To reheat, simply add a splash of almond milk or water
Conclusion:
In summary, this Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Breakfast is a must-try for anyone looking to start their day with a nutritious and delicious meal. The combination of fluffy quinoa, sweet apples, and warm cinnamon creates a comforting dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also fuels your body with essential nutrients. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily swap out the apples for your favorite fruits like pears or berries, or even add a handful of nuts for an extra crunch. I encourage you to give this recipe a go and make it your own. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy breakfast on a chilly morning or a quick snack throughout the day, I promise you won’t be disappointed. And don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear how you customized your Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Breakfast and any tips you might have for others. Happy cooking! Print
Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Breakfast: A Healthy Start to Your Day
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This warm and comforting Cinnamon Apple Quinoa combines fluffy quinoa with sweet, caramelized apples and a hint of cinnamon, making it a nutritious and delicious option for breakfast or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Scale- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or almond milk
- 1 medium apple, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh fruit and additional nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer for about 30 seconds to remove saponin.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water or almond milk.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to steam.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside.
- In a medium skillet, add the diced apple (skin on for texture, if desired).
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the apples.
- Add maple syrup or honey to the skillet.
- Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples soften but retain some shape.
- If using, add nuts and dried fruits during the last minute of cooking.
- Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet with the apple mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Drizzle in the vanilla extract and stir again.
- Cook together on low heat for another 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Spoon the mixture into bowls.
- Top with fresh fruit, additional nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
- Enjoy warm as a comforting breakfast or snack!
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite nuts or dried fruits.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
