Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bowl (Print)

A comforting quinoa bowl featuring tender apples, cinnamon, nuts, and sweetened with maple syrup.

# What You Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

→ Liquids

02 - 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
03 - ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Fruit

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

→ Sweeteners & Spices

05 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - ¼ 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)

# Steps:

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 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until quinoa is tender and creamy.
03 - Remove from heat and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
04 - Divide quinoa mixture into serving bowls. Top with chopped nuts, dried fruit, and additional apple slices if desired. Drizzle with extra maple syrup to taste.
05 - Serve immediately to enjoy warm.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like dessert but fuels you through the morning with protein and fiber.
  • You can make it in one pot while half asleep, no complicated steps or timing.
  • The apples soften into the quinoa and sweeten everything naturally as they cook.
  • Its endlessly adaptable, so you can use whatever fruit or nuts you have on hand.
02 -
  • Rinsing the quinoa is non-negotiable, or youll end up with a soapy aftertaste that ruins everything.
  • Stir occasionally while it simmers, or the bottom will stick and burn, leaving you with a scorched pot and bitter flavor.
  • Let it rest off the heat for a few minutes so the quinoa finishes absorbing the liquid and doesnt turn gummy.
  • If it looks too thick, add a splash more milk and stir, it should be creamy, not stiff.
03 -
  • Toast the quinoa in the dry pan for a minute before adding liquid, it brings out a nutty flavor that makes everything taste deeper.
  • Use a mix of spices like cardamom or ginger along with cinnamon for a chai-inspired twist that feels fancy but takes no extra effort.
  • Double the recipe and freeze individual portions, they reheat perfectly and save you on chaotic mornings.
  • Add the toppings right before serving so the nuts stay crunchy and the fruit stays fresh.
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