Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl (Printable Version)

Warm quinoa with spiced apples and cinnamon for a comforting, protein-packed morning meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

→ Liquids

02 - 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
03 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, plus more for serving)

→ Fruits

04 - 1 large apple, diced
05 - 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)

→ Spices & Flavorings

06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
09 - Pinch of sea salt

→ Toppings (optional)

10 - 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
11 - 1 tablespoon chia seeds
12 - Additional ground cinnamon
13 - Drizzle of maple syrup

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa, almond milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir well to incorporate spices evenly.
02 - Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until quinoa begins to soften.
03 - Stir in the diced apple and raisins. Cover and continue to simmer for another 8–10 minutes, or until quinoa is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
04 - Remove from heat. Stir in maple syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
05 - Divide the quinoa mixture between two bowls. Top with walnuts or pecans, chia seeds, extra cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of tender apples and warm spices fills your entire kitchen with the most incredible cozy aroma that somehow makes everything feel right with the world
  • You can make a big batch on Sunday and eat it all week with different toppings, which has literally saved my morning routine more times than I care to admit
02 -
  • If the quinoa is still crunchy after the suggested cooking time, add another splash of milk and cook for 3 more minutes, because nobody wants partially cooked breakfast
  • The mixture continues to thicken as it cools, so err on the side of slightly looser when you first pull it off the heat
03 -
  • Toasting your nuts in a dry pan for just two minutes before topping adds this depth of flavor that will make you wonder why you ever ate them raw
  • The pinch of salt might seem unnecessary, but trust me when I say it transforms the entire bowl from okay to absolutely cannot stop eating

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