Quinoa porridge with apples and cinnamon

Quinoa porridge with apples and cinnamon is a delightful and nutritious breakfast option that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the sweet and spicy notes of apples and cinnamon. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups milk (or a non-dairy alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk)
  • 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • A pinch of salt
  • Optional toppings: chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a dollop of yogurt

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water using a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove the natural coating (saponin) that can make quinoa taste bitter.

  2. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of milk (or non-dairy milk) with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

  3. Prepare the Apples: While the quinoa is cooking, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a small amount of oil, then add the diced apples. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the apples are tender and starting to caramelize. Stir in the ground cinnamon and nutmeg (if using) and cook for another minute.

  4. Combine Ingredients: Once the quinoa is cooked, gently fold in the cooked apples and any juices from the skillet. Stir in honey or maple syrup if you like it sweeter.

  5. Serve: Spoon the quinoa porridge into bowls. Add any optional toppings you like, such as chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a dollop of yogurt.

  6. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy a comforting and nutritious breakfast!

Feel free to adjust the spices and sweetness according to your taste. You can also experiment with different fruits or nuts to personalize the porridge to your liking.