CHOCOLATE & FRIED APPLE BREAKFAST QUINOA BOWL
If you haven’t tried quinoa for breakfast yet, it’s time to start with this Chocolate & Fried Apple Breakfast Quinoa Bowl! It is a healthy whole-grain, naturally vegan and gluten-free option for starting your day. And, it is also fiber and protein packed so it will keep you feeling full and satisfied all morning long!
Using quinoa for sweet recipes and breakfast may seem a little weird and it did to me before I tried it for the first time. But, quinoa is a great cereal for breakfast because it’s a healthy whole-grain that’s loaded with protein, fiber, and it’s naturally gluten-free, plus it is just as good (if not better!) in sweeter recipes.
I love a bowl of oatmeal, but this cozy, sweet and comforting quinoa bowl has become my go-to recipe because it is much lighter than oatmeal and gives me the perfect dose of energy for the morning! The fried apples turn into a warm and caramelized sweet treat that feels like you’ve given yourself a bit of #selflove before the busy day begins. There is truly nothing better than starting your day with a bowl of comfort like this one. And, if chocolate is involved, say no more!
The quinoa makes up the base of this recipe, but there are many different topping options! I love adding cacao powder that is rich in antioxidants, some apples to make this breakfast bowl naturally sweetened and almond butter to get healthy fats. It’s a balanced breakfast that will leave you feeling full and satisfied all morning long.
To make this quinoa bowl, you add water, quinoa, apples into a pot and cook it until they’re soft and then stir in some cacao powder and almond milk to make it creamy! Once ready, you transfer the quinoa to a bowl and top it with fried apples. Then add a scoop of almond butter.
To make the fried apples, you fry one chopped apple in a frying pan with a bit of coconut oil, cinnamon and nutmeg to spice. In less than 10 minutes you have a naturally sweet fruit to top your quinoa bowl.
CHOCOLATE & fried APPLE BREAKFAST QUINOA BOWL
makes 2 servings / takes 25mins
INGREDIENTS
For the quinoa bowl:
1/2 cup quinoa
1 cup water
1 large apple
2 tsp cacao powder
1 cup almond milk
1 tsp raw honey (optional)
For the fried apples:
1 chopped apple
1 tsp coconut oil
1/4 tsp cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
PREPARATION
Peel and core both apples. Chop them into bite-sized cubes.
Add half of the apples to a frying pan with 1 tsp coconut oil and bring to medium-high heat. Sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg and cook apples, stirring often until warmed and softened, approx. 5-10 minutes.
In a sauce pan, add quinoa, water and the other half of the apples. Whisk to combine. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce to simmer for 20 minutes. The apples will be soft and the quinoa will have absorbed the water. Stir in cacao powder and almond milk and let cook for 5 minutes more or until desired consistency.
Pour quinoa into bowls and top with fried apples. Add spoonful of almond butter, drizzle with honey and enjoy!
I know you’re going to love this recipe! And, if you do make this recipe please let me know in the comments below what you think! I love hearing from you. And of course, tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #withlovealis. It makes me so happy to see your recreations.
With love, Alis