Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bowl Recipe

Quinoa: A small grain that cooks fluffy and light, making a great base for this bowl.

Water: Used to cook the quinoa until tender.

Apple: Adds natural sweetness and a bit of crunch when mixed in.

Cinnamon: A warm spice that gives the dish its cozy flavor.

Honey: A natural sweetener that blends everything together.

Salt: Just a pinch to bring out the flavors.

One of the most helpful little moves in this Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bowl Recipe is rinsing the quinoa before cooking it. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Put the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer or a bowl.
2. Run cold water over it, or fill the bowl with cold water and stir the quinoa gently with your hand.
3. Drain the water completely.
4. Repeat this a couple of times until the water runs clear.

Rinsing quinoa helps get rid of a natural coating called saponin, which can make it taste bitter or soapy if you don’t wash it off. This little step makes your quinoa taste cleaner and more delicious, so the sweet cinnamon and honey flavors can really shine through.

When I first tried cooking quinoa, I skipped rinsing it because I didn’t know about saponin. The result was a bit bitter, and I thought maybe the recipe was off. After I learned to rinse it, the quinoa tasted so much better—like a fresh, nutty base for the apples and cinnamon. Now, I always rinse it, and it makes the whole bowl taste smoother and more balanced.

So, even though it might feel like an extra step, rinsing your quinoa is worth it. It’s a simple trick that helps your Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bowl come out just right every time!

• quinoa - Substitute with bulgur: Bulgur has a similar texture and nutty flavor, making it a good alternative to quinoa.

• water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more flavor to the dish compared to plain water.

• apple - Substitute with pear: Pears have a similar sweetness and texture, making them a good substitute for apples.

• cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a warm, spicy flavor similar to cinnamon.

• honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup has a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a good alternative to honey.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor profile.

• Allow the quinoa to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the cooled apple cinnamon quinoa bowl into an airtight container. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
• Store the container in the refrigerator. The quinoa bowl will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
• For longer storage, portion the quinoa into individual servings. This makes it easier to reheat just the amount you need.
• Place each portion into a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the containers or bags with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the quinoa has been stored.
• Freeze the apple cinnamon quinoa bowl for up to 2 months. Beyond this, the texture and flavor may start to degrade.
• When ready to eat, thaw the quinoa overnight in the refrigerator. This ensures even thawing and maintains the dish's texture.
• Reheat the quinoa in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or milk to prevent it from drying out.
• Stir occasionally while reheating to ensure even warming and to redistribute the apple and cinnamon.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover apple cinnamon quinoa bowl in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Sprinkle a few drops of water or apple juice over the quinoa to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
  4. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 30 seconds if needed. Serve warm and enjoy!

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Transfer the leftover apple cinnamon quinoa bowl to a small saucepan.
  2. Add a splash of water or apple juice to the pan to prevent sticking and to rehydrate the quinoa.
  3. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 5-7 minutes).
  4. If the quinoa seems dry, add a bit more liquid as needed. Serve warm and enjoy!

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover apple cinnamon quinoa bowl in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is heated through.
  5. Remove from the oven, stir, and serve warm. Enjoy!

• Steamer Method:

  1. Place the leftover apple cinnamon quinoa bowl in a heatproof bowl that fits into your steamer basket.
  2. Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the steamer pot.
  3. Place the bowl in the steamer basket and cover with a lid.
  4. Steam over medium heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until the quinoa is heated through.
  5. Carefully remove the bowl from the steamer, stir, and serve warm. Enjoy!

• Saucepan: Used to cook the quinoa by boiling water and then simmering it until tender.

• Lid: Essential for covering the saucepan to allow the quinoa to simmer properly.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the correct amount of quinoa and water.

• Teaspoon: Used to measure the cinnamon.

• Tablespoon: Used to measure the honey.

• Knife: Used to chop the apple into pieces.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the apple.

• Mixing spoon: Used to stir the quinoa, apple, cinnamon, and honey together.

• Colander: Used to rinse the quinoa under cold water before cooking.

Pre-rinse quinoa: Rinse and dry quinoa in advance to save time on busy mornings.

Chop apples ahead: Chop the apple the night before and store in the fridge to streamline your morning routine.

Batch cook: Make a larger batch of quinoa and store in the fridge for quick assembly throughout the week.

Use a microwave: Reheat pre-cooked quinoa in the microwave for a faster meal prep.

Pre-mix spices: Combine cinnamon and salt in a small container to quickly add to your dish.