Breakfast Quinoa Apple Bowl

Add some wholesome sweetness to your morning breakfast routine with this filling and fruit-packed Breakfast Quinoa Apple Bowl. Topped with crunchy apples, creamy bananas, and chewy raisins then sprinkled with cinnamon and brown sugar, this easy-to-make breakfast treat will win you over in no time! Not only will you enjoy a delicious morning meal, but you will also be getting tons of energy-giving nutrients to start your day.

Sometimes when you’re eating healthy, it can feel option-less when it comes to breakfast … but not anymore. The answer – Quinoa! Before you shake your head and discard this awesome superfood, we urge you to try it. This pseudocereal is the real deal and will really surprise you with its mild nutty flavor and fluffy yet creamy texture once cooked. If you’re not in the mood for a cold smoothie or your oatmeal is getting a bit monotonous, this is a perfect choice!

The Perfect Breakfast Bowl

We have established how healthy this fruit-loaded Quinoa breakfast bowl is, but there is more to it than just being nutritious and yummy!

• It is easy to prepare! You can have this delicious Breakfast Quinoa Apple Bowl on the table in just 20 minutes. Or you can cook the quinoa the night before and just add all the goodies on top for a quick breakfast for the whole family. Perfect for hectic weekday mornings.
• It is also versatile. If you want to add even more amazing and nutritious toppings, you could add a tablespoon of hemp seeds and almond butter. Plant protein, healthy fruity carbohydrates, and energy-giving fats would make this recipe beyond complete! You can also enjoy it with different fruits for variation. Mangoes, strawberries, blueberries, kiwis, peaches, and oranges would be great with this!
• Budget-friendly. It might seem like quinoa is uber expensive, but if you get used to buying it in bulk, you will think otherwise. Take your container with you and buy it in the bulk section!

Breakfast Quinoa Apple Bowl Ingredients

• Quinoa – We used white quinoa for this recipe because it cooks up fluffier and has a mild nutty taste. If you have other color variations, feel free to use them, but check for package instructions on cook time and liquid ratio.
• Fruits – Crunchy apples and creamy bananas create the perfect texture contrast with the fluffy cooked quinoa!
• Raisins – Adds chewy pops of tart and sweetness to the dish.
• Brown sugar – Provides a caramel sweetness to the quinoa. You can lessen or omit this depending on how sweet the fruits are.
• Cinnamon – Sprinkle it all over for a dash of warm and festive flavor.
• Plant-based milk – You can use oat, almond, soy, or any type of dairy-free milk you have.
• Water – To cook the quinoa with.

How to Make Breakfast Quinoa Apple Bowl

• 1) Cook the Quinoa – Bring water to a boil in a medium pot over high heat. Add the quinoa, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer and cover the pot with the lid for 10 minutes, or until all of the water has been absorbed.

• 2) Fluff it up! Once the quinoa is cooked, use a fork to fluff it up. Then transfer your desired amount to a bowl.
• 3) Add the Toppings. Place the banana, apples, and raisins on top, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon, then pour the plant-based milk all over. Enjoy!

Tips When Making Breakfast Quinoa Apple Bowl

• If you don’t have apples, you can use an overripe banana and mash it into the quinoa after fluffing.
• Make one big batch and divide it into portions. That’s it! Healthy and nutritious breakfast for the entire bunch!
• Anticipating a hectic morning? Turn it into an on-the-go breakfast treat by cooking the Quinoa the night before and placing them in a glass jar with all the toppings. Just add the fruits and bring it with you anywhere!

What is Quinoa?

It might look like a grain and is mainly used as one, but Quinoa (Keen-wah) are actually edible seeds. It has been in production for a hundred years. Still, it has only been recently placed in the international spotlight as a naturally gluten-free and more nutritious alternative to some grains.

They are a gold mine of health and nutritional benefits! Quinoa is rich in dietary fiber, high in protein, and is loaded with essential nutrients like folate, magnesium, zinc, and iron. In fact, it contains more fiber than most popular grains like rice. It is also considered a complete protein containing nine essential amino acids that our body needs but cannot produce naturally. It is also a great source of antioxidants and contains high amounts of anti-inflammatory compounds.

Lastly, it is super easy to incorporate into our daily diet. We love using it on both sweet and savory dishes and can be used to make salads, soups, casseroles, and desserts! This Complete Guide to Quinoa will let you in on the different types and how to cook them properly.

How to Store Cooked Quinoa

Once your quinoa is cooked, fluff it up and let it cool down. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can make your Breakfast Quinoa Apple Bowl anytime!

If you bought a big pack of quinoa for later use, make sure to store them in a cool, dry place and keep them tightly sealed. Uncooked Quinoa will last in your pantry for a year or so if properly stored.

Here are more Quinoa recipes to try!

1. Vegan Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Quinoa – It’s packed with protein, fiber, and lots of vegetables, including kale, white beans, tomatoes, and olives in a lemon-garlic quinoa dressing! Grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan quinoa salad!
2. Quinoa Tater Tots – Taste like the classic finger food we all love but are healthier and use way better ingredients! They are crunchy on the outside, with tender bits of quinoa, mushrooms, and chives on the inside.
3. Cinnamon Orange Quinoa – Is a great way to shake up your usual breakfast meal routine. This orange-infused porridge is flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg and studded with chewy, sweet dried fruits or berries.

Photos by Alfonso Revilla