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High protein cinnamon apple breakfast quinoa bowl topped with fresh apples and cinnamon.

High Protein Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa

A hearty and healthy quinoa breakfast dish, packed with flavor, protein, and nutrition, perfect for busy mornings or meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Breakfast, Healthy
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup quinoa (white or tri-color), thoroughly rinsed Make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove saponin.
  • 2 cups milk (dairy, almond, or soy milk) Use full-fat milk or a blend of milk alternatives for added richness.
  • 2 large apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best), diced Fresh apples work best, but frozen apples can be used if necessary.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey Adjust the sweetness to your liking.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans Feel free to omit if nut-free.
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (optional, for extra protein) Can be substituted with plant-based yogurt to make it non-dairy.

Method
 

Cooking Quinoa
  1. Place the rinsed quinoa, milk, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Once boiling, turn the heat down to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
Sautéing Apples
  1. While the quinoa is cooking, place the diced apples in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the cinnamon, ginger, and a splash of water or milk.
  2. Sauté the apples for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are tender and fragrant. If they start to stick, add another tablespoon of liquid.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Once the quinoa is done, remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
  2. Fluff it gently with a fork and stir in the sautéed apples, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
Serving
  1. Divide the mixture into bowls. Top with chopped walnuts and a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.
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