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Cozy Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa – Easy 20-Minute Recipe

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A warm, comforting breakfast quinoa made with apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Ready in just 20 minutes, this protein-packed twist on oatmeal is naturally gluten-free and perfect for busy mornings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa (rinsed well)
  • 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred, but any milk works)
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated if possible)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (toasted, optional)
  • Extra maple syrup for drizzling (optional)
  • A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or raisins (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly. Place 1 cup quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse under cold running water for about 1 minute, rubbing the grains between your fingers until the water runs clear.
  2. Dice the apples. Core and dice 2 medium apples into small cubes, about 1/4-inch pieces. Leave the skin on for extra fiber and color.
  3. Combine liquids and spices. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups milk, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk until the spices are dissolved.
  4. Add the quinoa and apples. Stir in the rinsed quinoa and diced apples until evenly distributed.
  5. Bring to a boil. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
  6. Reduce heat and simmer. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 15-18 minutes until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  7. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Take the pot off the burner and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Let it sit covered for 2-3 minutes to allow the quinoa to absorb any remaining liquid.
  8. Fluff and serve. Give the quinoa a gentle stir with a fork to fluff it up. Spoon into bowls and add your favorite toppings, such as toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and an extra drizzle of maple syrup.

Notes

Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa to remove bitterness. Watch the heat carefully to prevent milk from scorching. Toast nuts for maximum flavor. Adjust sweetness to taste. For meal prep, double the recipe and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: breakfast quinoa, cinnamon apple quinoa, healthy breakfast, gluten-free breakfast, 20-minute breakfast, apple cinnamon quinoa, quinoa porridge

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/cozy-cinnamon-apple-breakfast-quinoa-easy-20-minute-recipe/