Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bowl (Print Version)

A nourishing bowl with quinoa, apples, cinnamon, maple syrup, and nuts, perfect for a wholesome morning meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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)

# How to Make It:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It feels indulgent but keeps you steady and full until lunch without any crash.
  • The whole thing cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time sipping coffee.
  • You can prep it on Sunday and reheat portions all week without losing that cozy, just-made texture.
02 -
  • If you skip rinsing the quinoa, it can taste soapy and bitter, I ruined a whole batch before I figured that out.
  • Stir it every few minutes or the bottom will stick and scorch, leaving a burnt smell that clings to everything.
  • Let it rest off the heat for at least two minutes or the texture stays gummy instead of light and separate.
03 -
  • Toast the nuts in a dry skillet for a minute before adding them, it wakes up their flavor and makes them taste almost buttery.
  • If the quinoa looks too thick while cooking, add a splash more milk instead of water so it stays creamy.
  • Use a timer and walk away, hovering and stirring constantly makes it gluey instead of fluffy.
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