Quinoa Oatmeal

Quinoa Oatmeal is not only delicious but an extremely healthy breakfast recipe! Quinoa and Oatmeal topped with sauteed apples, walnuts, and a splash of cinnamon oat milk is a great way to start your mornings! Indeed, adults and kids alike will love this recipe! It’s not only easy to make but also healthy because it includes quinoa. So, come along with us as we show you not only How to Make Quinoa Oatmeal but discuss some of the health benefits of this Quinoa Breakfast Recipe!

This recipe is so good it feels like I’m cheating a bit when I eat it. However, I’m about healthy food made enjoyable and this recipe is certainly that. Oatmeal can sometimes lose it’s luster if eaten routinely. That’s where the sauteed apples in this Oatmeal and Quinoa Breakfast Recipe come to the rescue! The apple topping here is reminiscent of something you’d get in a good pie filling. When you add the walnuts and splash of cinnamon oat milk, you’ve got something that’ll make you tip toe to the kitchen with joy in the early hours! Grab a favorite cup of coffee or tea and you’re off to a great start! Your kids will also love this recipe; watch their eyes light up when they bite into rich warm apple.

While all this sounds wonderful and you’re seeing visions of glistening apples, hearty oatmeal, and a steaming cup of coffee, a small voice inside you may be asking “what is quinoa again?” Great question, which also leads me to my next point before we start cooking!

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa (KEEN-wah) is a seed which comes from the quinoa plant and was grown for consumption in the Andes roughly 7,000 years ago. While it’s not technically a grain, it’s considered as such because we consume it in the same fashion as we do oatmeal or other grains. Quinoa is gluten-free and is produced mostly in Bolivia and Peru. It has become a favorite nutritional food in recent years; indeed, the UN touted 2013 as “The International Year of Quinoa”. While there are over 3,000 varieties of quinoa, this superfood has been commonly produced and sold as “red”, “white”, or “black”.

Now, let’s get down to business and talk about how to make this awesome breakfast recipe!

Quinoa Oatmeal Recipe

• Old fashioned rolled oats
• Quinoa
• Oat milk
• Maple syrup
• Walnuts
• Cinnamon stick
• Apple
• Brown sugar
• Vegan butter
• Water

How to Make Quinoa Oatmeal

1. Cook oats and quinoa. In a medium sized pot, add water, oats, and quinoa and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover with a lid, and let simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.
2. Make cinnamon milk. Add milk and cinnamon stick to a small pot and bring to a low boil. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes and then remove cinnamon stick.
3. Sauté apples. Add vegan butter to a separate saucepan over low heat. Add apples, maple syrup, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until sugar melts and begins to turn golden.
4. Serve. Serve oatmeal in bowls topped with sauteed apples, walnuts, and cinnamon oat milk.

You can also use an Instant Pot to cook quinoa. Check out my recipe for Instant Pot Quinoa!

Recipe Variations

• Use any non-dairy milk of your choosing.
• Pecans and almonds would work great in this recipe.
• Add some raisins.
• Use a little nutmeg or pumpkin spice to warm up the flavors a bit more.

Tips

• When cooking quinoa, it’s important to cover the pot in order to achieve the right texture and consistency.
• Be careful when you’re sautéing the apples not to overcook lest they become too soggy.
• Keep oatmeal covered after it’s cooked to lock in moisture until serving.

How to Store Quinoa Oatmeal

You can store Quinoa Oatmeal in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I recommend letting it cool before placing it in an airtight container for storage. Don’t add any toppings onto the oatmeal before storing as this would make your cereal soggy the next day.

Health Benefits of Quinoa

This little seed has become something of a buzzword in health circles over the last several years and for good reason. That’s because quinoa is packed with nutrients and it’s an especially rich source of magnesium, folate, zinc, fiber, and iron. Quinoa also contains two compounds kaempferol and quercetin which have anti-inflammatory properties and serve as antioxidants which protect the body from cell damage. Quinoa is also a great source of fiber which supports healthy digestion. Some studies have found that 95% of adults and children don’t consume enough fiber in their diet. Adding quinoa to your diet is a great way of ensuring you’re getting enough fiber. Finally, as already mentioned, quinoa is gluten-free and can safely be consumed by those with a gluten-intolerance.(1)(2)(3)

Thanks for stopping in for another great plant-based recipe! Here are some other great recipes you’ll love!

Healthy Vegan Breakfast Recipes

• Chia Seed Oatmeal
• Vegan Zucchini Bread
• Strawberry Chia Jam
• Vegan French Toast
• Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
• Baked Apple Oatmeal
• Acai Bowl
• Vegan Cream Cheese
• Blueberry Toast
• Blueberry Sauce
• Avocado Toast with Sprouts
• Turmeric Balls