This Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Breakfast is a warm, tasty way to start your day! It combines fluffy quinoa with sweet apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy feel.
I love how healthy and filling this dish is, plus it’s so easy to whip up in the morning—just cook the quinoa, mix in apples, and enjoy! Breakfast win! 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Quinoa: Quinoa is a fantastic grain packed with protein. Try red or black quinoa for a colorful twist! If you need a gluten-free option, quinoa is great, but you can also use oats for a different flavor and texture.
Apples: I suggest using sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Their natural sweetness really shines. You can swap for pears or even berries if apples aren’t available. Just remember to adjust sweetness if you use tart fruits.
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth to the dish. While I love ground cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin spice could also work beautifully to mix it up. Fresh cinnamon sticks can give a stronger flavor if you prefer to steep them while cooking.
Maple Syrup or Honey: These add a touch of sweetness. If you’re looking for low-calorie alternatives, agave syrup or stevia are good substitutes. Feel free to skip added sweeteners if your apples are sweet enough!
How Do I Cook Quinoa Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking quinoa can be tricky, but it’s simple once you get the hang of it! Here’s the best way to ensure light and fluffy quinoa:
- Always rinse quinoa under cold water before cooking. This removes the bitter coating called saponin.
- Use a 2:1 water-to-quinoa ratio. For every cup of quinoa, you’ll need two cups of water.
- Bring the water to a boil first, then reduce to low heat immediately and cover the pot to let it steam.
- Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, check if all water is absorbed and fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
It’s that easy! Enjoy your perfectly cooked quinoa in this delicious breakfast! 🥄
Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Breakfast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium apple, cored and sliced (leave skin on for color and texture)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt
- Milk or plant-based milk (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful breakfast takes about 20 minutes of your morning! That includes roughly 15 minutes for cooking the quinoa and a few minutes to chop the apples and get everything mixed together. It’s quick and perfect for busy mornings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Quinoa:
In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed quinoa, water, and a pinch of salt. Place it over medium-high heat and bring everything to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the quinoa looks fluffy and all the water has been absorbed.
2. Preparing the Apples:
While the quinoa is cooking, take a moment to core and slice your apple into wedges or small chunks. It’s okay to leave the skin on; it adds a nice texture and color!
3. Mixing it All Together:
Once the quinoa is ready, fluff it gently with a fork. Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon and stir in the maple syrup or honey, along with the vanilla extract if you’re using it. Then, add in half of your apple slices and mix them in, letting the warmth of the quinoa slightly soften the apples.
4. Serving Your Breakfast:
Now it’s time to serve! Scoop the quinoa mixture into bowls and top with the remaining fresh apple slices. If you like, drizzle a little extra maple syrup or splash some milk for a creamier finish.
Enjoy your cozy, wholesome Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Breakfast! It’s packed with flavor and will keep you energized throughout your day!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While I recommend sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp, you can use whatever apples you have on hand. Tart apples like Granny Smith will work too; just adjust the sweetness to your taste if needed.
Can I Make This Breakfast Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the quinoa in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just warm it up before serving. You might want to add a splash of water or milk to keep it moist as you reheat.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover quinoa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop, adding a little milk if it seems dry.
Can I Customize the Flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or seeds for extra texture and flavor. You can also experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger to suit your taste!