In this week’s installment of our Seasonal Spoonful’s series, we bring you a cozy, nourishing breakfast that’s perfect for chilly winter mornings. This Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Bowl is a warm, spiced delight packed with protein, fiber, and comfort.
With tender apples, fragrant cinnamon, and the hearty texture of quinoa, this dish is sure to become a seasonal favorite. It’s a healthy twist on traditional comfort food, offering a satisfying start to your day while embracing the flavors of the season.
Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Bowl Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups milk or water
- 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 2 apples, diced
- 1.5 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/16 teaspoon salt
Directions:
- Rinse the Quinoa:
- Use a fine mesh strainer to rinse your quinoa for 30 seconds.
- Cook the Quinoa:
- Add the milk (or water), rinsed quinoa, apples, cinnamon, vanilla extract, ginger, and salt to a small pot.
- Stir to combine.
- Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pot and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-18 minutes on low, until most of the milk has been absorbed.
- Rest:
- Remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Fluff and Serve:
- Open the pot, fluff the quinoa with a fork, and serve warm. Add your favorite toppings, such as plain Greek yogurt, nuts, raisins, or a drizzle of honey.
Shortcut Version:
If you have pre-cooked quinoa:
- Dice the apple and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Combine 1/2 cup cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, a pinch of ginger, and a pinch of salt per serving. Microwave for 1:30-2 minutes until the quinoa is heated through and the milk is warm. Alternatively, sauté the apples in a saucepan and heat the mixture on the stove.
Why You’ll Love It:
This Cinnamon Apple Quinoa Bowl is a comforting and nutritious breakfast perfect for winter. It’s an easy, versatile recipe that can be adjusted with your favorite toppings or variations, making it a dish you’ll want to revisit all season long.
Have your own twist on this recipe? Share your creations with us and let’s make this winter a little warmer, one bowl at a time!
Learn more about Seasonal Spoonful’s and our mission to share comforting recipes by reading the series introduction here.
Have a favorite winter comfort recipe with a healthy twist? We’d love for you to share it with us!
