Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bowl (Print Version)

Fluffy quinoa with apples and cinnamon makes a comforting and nutritious morning dish.

# Components:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

→ Liquids

02 - 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
03 - 1/2 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 - 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)

# Directions:

01 - In a medium saucepan, add quinoa, almond milk, vanilla extract, diced apple, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
02 - Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low. Cover and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally until quinoa is tender and mixture is creamy.
03 - Remove from heat and let stand uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork.
04 - Divide into bowls. Top with chopped walnuts or pecans, raisins or dried cranberries, and additional apple slices if desired. Drizzle with extra maple syrup to taste.
05 - Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It cooks in one pot and gives you that creamy, spiced comfort without any fuss or fancy technique.
  • The quinoa soaks up all the cinnamon and vanilla, so every bite tastes like fall even in the middle of winter.
  • You can make it with whatever milk or sweetener you have on hand, and it still turns out perfectly.
02 -
  • If you skip rinsing the quinoa, it might taste soapy or bitter because of the natural coating called saponin.
  • Stir the pot a few times while it simmers or the quinoa can clump and stick to the bottom, especially if your heat is too high.
  • Let it rest off the heat for a couple of minutes before fluffing, or the texture wont be as light and separate.
03 -
  • Toast your nuts in a dry pan for a minute before adding them to the bowl, it brings out their flavor and makes them taste almost buttery.
  • If the quinoa absorbs all the liquid but still feels too firm, add a splash more milk and let it cook for another few minutes until its tender.
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