Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200g) Quinoa (Tri-colour or White), thoroughly rinsed
  • 3 cups (710 ml) Water
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Milk (Whole, 2%, or plant-based)
  • ¼ teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • 1 tablespoon (15g) Unsalted Butter (or coconut oil)
  • 2 large Firm Cooking Apples (e.g., Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, divided
  • ¼ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) Maple Syrup (or Honey)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) Chopped Walnuts or Pecans, toasted
  • Extra Milk/Cream (Optional)
  • Additional Maple Syrup (Optional, for drizzling)

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the Quinoa: Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly under cold running water for at least 1-2 minutes until the water runs clear. This removes the bitter saponin coating.
  2. Cook the Base: Combine the rinsed quinoa, 3 cups of water (or half water, half milk), and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a rapid boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Simmer and Absorb: Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  4. Fluff and Finish: Remove the saucepan from the heat, leave the lid on, and let it stand for 5 minutes. Remove the lid, add the final 1 cup of milk, and stir gently. Set aside to absorb fully while preparing the apples.
  5. Melt the Butter: Heat the butter (or coconut oil) in a small skillet over medium heat until melted and lightly sizzling.
  6. Sauté the Apples: Add the diced apples, half (½ tsp) of the cinnamon, and the nutmeg. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender-crisp but still hold their shape.
  7. Sweeten and Glaze: Stir in the maple syrup and the vanilla extract. Cook for an additional 1 minute until the mixture thickens slightly into a light glaze. Remove from heat.
  8. Combine: Gently fold the warm apple mixture into the cooked quinoa base, mixing until evenly distributed.
  9. Adjust Consistency: If the quinoa is too thick, stir in a splash of extra milk until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
  10. Season and Serve: Taste and add any additional sweetener or the remaining half (½ tsp) of cinnamon if a stronger spice flavour is desired. Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with toasted nuts and a drizzle of maple syrup.