Here in western Washington State we’ve still got some chilly mornings. This week has been gorgeous here in western Washington and I’m crossing my fingers the weather stays that way for a while, especially while I’m preparing our garden beds outside for our vegetables. But the mornings are still chilly and warm breakfast dishes are very welcome.
Still, even warm mornings are fitting for a warm, comforting breakfast and here’s a wholesome breakfast dish you can enjoy any time of year. It’s a dish very similar to one that my mom made when we were growing up. It tasted delicious then and it tastes delicious now. And it’s super easy to make!
Instead of your usual oatmeal, try this warm quinoa cereal. Packed with protein, quinoa is one of the healthiest grains on the planet and the only grain that is a complete protein. With the warmth of cinnamon, the tanginess of apple and the sweetness of plump raisins, this Apple Cinnamon Quinoa cereal is wonderfully flavorful and soul-satisfying.
Let’s get started!
Thoroughly rinse and drain the quinoa. Quinoa contains a coating of saponin which can be toxic at worst and really bitter tasting at best.
Add the rinsed and drained quinoa to a medium saucepan with the apple cider.
Add all remaining ingredients except for the butter and honey and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender.
Stir in the butter and honey and serve immediately.
You can eat it as is or add a little milk, which I prefer.
For some added deliciousness you can also add a dollop or two of your favorite vanilla yogurt.
Enjoy!
Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Cereal
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa ,thoroughly rinsed and drained
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup finely chopped apple ,peeled and cored
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts ,e.g., pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil (vegan: use coconut oil or butter substitute)
- 2 tablespoons honey (vegan: use agave *You can omit the honey if you prefer, the raisins already add some sweetness)
Instructions
- Place everything except for the butter and honey in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender. Stir in the butter and honey.
- Serve immediately as is or add some milk to the bowl and/or a dollop of vanilla yogurt (vegan: use vegan yogurt and plant-based milk such as cashew, almond or rice milk).
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Adriana Lopez Martn says
This looks very simple to make and I can imagine must be delicious love the apples and the cinnamon yummy =)
Citra Kale @Citra's Home Diary says
I should try your quinoa recipe. the apple and cnnamon really make me crave it
Marye says
This looks like it would make a super yummy breakfast!
Heather Kinnaird says
this sounds amazing! I can almost smell the apples cooking
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
I’m such a fan of the apple/nut/spice combo and I can’t think of a better way to start the day than with this! Hearty, healthy, and so delicious!
Ginny McMeans says
Fantastic! A new breakfast for the family. I love all of the apple flavor in there.
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
I love working with quinoa when making cereal. Loving the apple cinnamon combo! I could start everyday with this cereal!
The Food Hunter says
This sounds like a wonderful combination!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
This looks super comforting and great for breakfast!
Lauren Kelly Nutrition says
I bet this makes your house smell AMAZING!
Lora @savoringitaly says
I recently saw a quinoa breakfast idea and was wondering why I never tried it before. It seems to be a lovely way to start the day, especially with apples and cinnamon!!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
This looks really great! Perfect for the cool mornings we’re still (thankfully) getting in Phoenix ;)
Kelly @ Nosh and Nourish says
I adore quinoa… this breakfast spin is great!
Isabelle @ Crumb says
I was starting to get a little bored with my morning oatmeal, so I’ve been experimenting with different grains just to shake up the routine. I never thought to try quinoa, though, which is weird because it seems so obvious now!
Loving this apple-cinnamon version… it sounds so warm and comforting (and not just because it’s snowing outside right now and I’m craving comfort).
Kim Beaulieu says
I love this idea. Quinoa has a nuttier taste which I love so I think this one would be right up my alley. It’s still cold here in the mornings too. I am not a fan of this time of year, mostly because I can turn the a/c and furnace on in the same day. I never know what to expect from moment to moment. Yesterday it was sunny, today it’s snowing like crazy. I need a bowl of this to warm me up.
Ashlyn @ Belle of the Kitchen says
I feel like I am swooning over that big pot full of delicious ingredients! I love the idea of cooking the quinoa in apple cider instead of water. Genius!!!
Lauren @ Hall Nesting says
I can’t believe how late to the game I am with quinoa and this is just one more reason I am all about it. Sounds delicious!
Sarah Walker Caron (Sarah's Cucina Bella) says
This sounds delightful — and so healthy — can’t wait to try it.
Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze says
My sis in law would love this recipe. She is obsessed with quinoa and always on the look out for new recipes. I love apple cinnamon together. Such a great combo and perfect for breakfast. :)
Adina says
A lovely combination, quinoa for breakfast sounds like a great idea!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
It’s still cold here! I’m ready to switch to a jacket from my wool coat. :) And I love that you used apple cider here. So delicious!