This Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Breakfast is a warm and sweet way to start your day! It mixes fluffy quinoa with tender apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that cozy feeling.
Trust me, your mornings just got better! I love adding a drizzle of honey or a splash of milk. It’s like having dessert for breakfast—what’s not to love? 🍏✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Quinoa: This is the star of the dish! Rinsing quinoa is essential to remove its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter. If you don’t have quinoa, you can try using oats for a different texture.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but you can use any apple you enjoy! Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are great too. If you’re out of fresh apples, dried apples can work, just rehydrate them in warm water first.
Raisins or Dried Cranberries: These add sweetness and texture. Don’t have either? You could use chopped dates or even fresh berries for a different spin.
Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup: Both add sweetness, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using honey or agave syrup. You can also adjust the amount to your taste!
How Do You Perfectly Cook Quinoa?
Cooking quinoa might seem tricky, but it’s easy! The key is the water ratio and simmering time. Here’s how to nail it:
- Always rinse your quinoa first—this step helps get rid of that sour taste.
- The typical water-to-quinoa ratio is 2:1. For 1 cup of quinoa, use 2 cups of water.
- Bring it to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Once cooked, the quinoa should look fluffy with the little spirals separating. Fluff with a fork for a light texture!
Using these tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked quinoa every time, making your breakfast delightful!
Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Breakfast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, a drizzle of honey or milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful breakfast takes about 25 minutes in total. You’ll need around 15 minutes for cooking the quinoa and then just about 10 minutes to prepare and combine everything. A quick and easy way to make a wholesome start to your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Quinoa:
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of water. Put it over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
2. Preparing the Cinnamon Mixture:
While the quinoa is cooking, take a small bowl and mix the ground cinnamon with brown sugar (or maple syrup). Set this aside for later.
3. Fluffing Up the Quinoa:
Once the quinoa is fully cooked, remove the lid and fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. Stir in the cinnamon sugar mixture, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of your quinoa.
4. Adding Fruits:
Next, gently fold in the chopped apples and raisins to the quinoa. This is where it gets exciting as the warmth of the quinoa starts to soften the apples!
5. Simmering for Flavor:
Return the pot to low heat, cover it again, and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix beautifully and gives the apples a chance to soften just a bit.
6. Serving Your Breakfast:
Now, it’s time to serve! Pour the warm quinoa into bowls and if you like, top it with some chopped nuts for crunch and a drizzle of honey or a splash of milk for extra creaminess.
Enjoy!
Sit back and enjoy your cozy, sweet, and nutritious Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Breakfast. It’s the perfect way to warm up your morning!
Can I Use Different Types of Quinoa?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses white quinoa, you can also try red or black quinoa for a different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for tenderness before serving.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan if you substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup or use a plant-based milk. Just skip any honey as your topping, and you’re good to go!
Can I Prepare This Breakfast the Night Before?
Yes, you can! Cook the quinoa and mix in the other ingredients, then store it in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, just warm it up on the stove or in the microwave and add any fresh toppings before serving.
What Are Some Good Toppings for This Quinoa Breakfast?
Some great options include chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, a sprinkle of chia seeds, shredded coconut, or even a dollop of yogurt for creaminess. You can also add more fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries for extra sweetness!
