Superfood | Apple-Cinnamon Breakfast Quinoa

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) is often referred to as a supergrain.  It's high in protein, contains all 9 amino acids, is rich in fibre and minerals, low in carbohydrates, and even gluten free.  Wow, that's a mouthful.  Good thing it tastes great too, otherwise it would be all for nothing...

Quinoa also has the ability to take on either a sweet or savoury role in all of your favourite dishes.  From breakfast to dinner, and yes, the all important dessert, quinoa is the definition of versatile.  This morning we jumped on the sweet train and substituted our regularly scheduled oatmeal breakfast, for one that is protein packed.  Sauteed apples, cinnamon, and nutty pecans rounded it out and kept us full of energy as went about a morning of errands.

Apple-Cinnamon Breakfast Quinoa

Ingredients:
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 apple, peeled & diced
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
pinch nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 pecans, chopped

Method:
In non-stick pan coated with non-stick spray, cook apples over medium heat until softened and slightly caramelized, 5-7 minutes.  Remove from heat and set aside.
Meanwhile, in medium saucepan, heat quinoa and almond milk until boiling.  Reduce heat to a simmer and cook covered for 10-15 minutes (stirring occasionally) until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove from heat, stir in applesauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.  Fold in cooked apples and divide among bowls.  Top with pecans.
Enjoy!

Serves: 3-4