Chai Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Apples is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day! This healthy vegan recipe is packed with plant-based protein and cozy fall flavors.
Are we getting a little tired oatmeal? Hey, I love my Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats, but even I get a little bored.
If you are looking for a delicious breakfast that’s both satisfying and nutritious, look no further than this Chai Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Apples.
It’s a simple recipe perfect for busy mornings or when you want to switch up your morning routine. And, very exciting!
Packed with whole grains, warm spices, and sweet apples, this quinoa breakfast bowl is a good source of plant-based protein and essential nutrients to kickstart your day.
This Chai Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is more than just a delicious breakfast - it’s a shot of nutrition adrenaline that will keep you satisfied and energized.
Spiced chai not your thing? I get it. Try my Blueberry Quinoa Breakfast Bowl or go crazy and enjoy this Vegan Chocolate Bark with roasted nuts and quinoa.
Whether you’re looking to switch up your breakfast routine or need a quick and healthy option for busy mornings, this recipe has got you covered. You will love this combination of chai spices, sweet apple, and nutrient-rich quinoa.
Trust me, your taste buds and body will thank you!
Is it good to eat quinoa for breakfast?
Uh, yes. But before we get into the recipe, let’s discuss why quinoa makes an excellent breakfast option. Shall we? Quinoa is not just some trendy grain; it’s a nutritional powerhouse.
- Complete Protein: Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. So you don’t have to worry about getting enough protein.
- Low Glycemic Index: Quinoa has a low glycemic index, which means it won’t cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, providing sustained energy throughout the morning.
- Nutrient-Dense: Quinoa is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, offering a range of nutritional benefits.
- Versatility: Its mild flavor makes it perfect for both sweet and savory dishes, allowing for endless breakfast possibilities.
Let’s get into it and make this Chai Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with diced apples!
Ingredients you’ll need
These simple, wholesome ingredients combine the protein-rich goodness of quinoa with the warmth of chai spices and the natural sweetness of apples to create a nutritious and flavorful breakfast bowl.
- quinoa, rinsed
- unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk (use your favorite nut milk)
- easy homemade chai spice mix (mixture of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves)
- pinch of black pepper
- apple (preferably Granny Smith), diced
- pure maple syrup (brown sugar, coconut sugar, date sugar, or maple sugar can also be used)
- vanilla extract
NOTES: Specific instructions and amounts are in the recipe card below.
How to make this Chai Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
This easy cooking process allows the quinoa to absorb the flavors of the chai spices while cooking, resulting in a deliciously aromatic and comforting breakfast bowl.
- Start by giving your quinoa a quick rinse in a fine-mesh strainer. This will remove any bitterness and ensure the best flavor.
- In a medium saucepan or small saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, almond milk (or coconut milk), cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and black pepper, or use my DIY Homemade Chai Spice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
- Once boiling, reduce to medium-low heat and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the quinoa to absorb any remaining liquid and become fluffy.
- While the quinoa is cooking, dice your apple.
- After the quinoa has rested, fluff it with a fork and stir in the maple syrup (or brown sugar) and vanilla extract.
- Divide the quinoa between three bowls and top with the diced apple and any additional toppings you prefer.
Optional toppings: walnuts, pecans, coconut flakes, strawberries, hemp seeds, almond butter, or your favorite nut butter.
Serving suggestions
This chai breakfast quinoa is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to take it to the next level:
- Add some almond butter or peanut butter for extra protein and healthy fats.
- Sprinkle with coconut flakes or chopped nuts for added crunch.
- Drizzle with extra maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
- Add a scoop of protein powder for an extra protein boost.
- Top with a variety of fresh fruits for added vitamins and flavor.
Storage
This chai spiced quinoa breakfast bowl is excellent for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
When reheating, you may need to add some additional milk to loosen the consistency, as the quinoa will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.
Is chai spiced quinoa healthy?
This Apple Chai Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly nutritious. Here are some key benefits:
- Protein: One serving provides approximately 8-10 grams of protein, depending on your choice of milk and toppings.
- Fiber: Quinoa and apples are both excellent sources of fiber, which is good for digestive health and helps you feel full longer.
- Vitamins and Minerals: This bowl contains vitamins B and E, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
- Antioxidants: The chai spices and apples provide a good dose of antioxidants, supporting overall health and skin health.
While exact daily values will vary based on specific ingredients, you can be confident that this breakfast is packed with essential nutrients.
Why you’ll love this Chai Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
This Chai Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl is a winner for several reasons:
- Time-Efficient: Preparing it doesn’t take much time, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness, spices, and toppings to suit your taste preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch at the beginning of the week for an easy breakfast quinoa option every day.
- Balanced Nutrition: It provides a good balance of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to keep you energized.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of warm spices and sweet apples creates a comforting morning meal that feels like a treat.
Tips and tricks
If you’re going to make this recipe, make sure to follow these top tips!
- For a creamier texture, use coconut milk instead of almond milk.
- If you’re short on time in the morning, prepare the quinoa the night before and reheat it with a splash of milk.
- For an extra chai flavor boost, steep a chai tea bag in your milk before cooking the quinoa.
- If you have an Instant Pot, you can easily adapt this recipe for even quicker preparation.
More quinoa recipes you’ll love!
Check out these other amazingly delicious and healthy quinoa recipes!
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Chai Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl With Apples (Vegan)
Chai Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Apples is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day! This healthy vegan recipe is packed with plant-based protein and cozy fall flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- https://shaneandsimple.com/easy-homemade-chai-spice-mix-recipe/1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon of Easy Homemade Chai Spice
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 medium apple (preferably Granny Smith), diced
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, coconut flakes, hemp seeds, almond butter, or peanut butter
Instructions
- Start by giving your quinoa a quick rinse in a fine-mesh strainer. This will remove any bitterness and ensure the best flavor.
- In a medium saucepan or small saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, almond milk (or coconut milk), DIY Homemade Chai Spice, and black pepper. (Use one teaspoon of each in place of chai mix: cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger)
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
- Once boiling, reduce to medium-low heat and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the quinoa to absorb any remaining liquid and become fluffy.
- While the quinoa is cooking, dice your apple.
- After the quinoa has rested, fluff it with a fork and stir in the maple syrup (or brown sugar) and vanilla extract.
- Divide the quinoa between two bowls and top with the diced apple and any additional toppings of choice.
Notes
*Nutrition info is an estimate and based on 2 servings.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 463
- Sugar: 21.8 g
- Sodium: 194 mg
- Fat: 8.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 83.8 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 13.9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
This is delicious. Could it be cooked in the instant pot?
Love your recipes
Absolutely!
Your instructions don’t say when to add the Chai spices yet it makes reference to cardamom and cinnamon. Confused.
Hi, Stacey! I just went back and checked and made a few adjustments but it’s listed in the post and the recipe card. Let me know if you still don’t see it. Thanks!
I LOVE INDIAN FOOD & LIVED IN INDIA FOR 5 YEARS! I MADE IT FOR DINNER!(DELICIOUS).
NOW I RETIRED IN ECUADOR (IN 2017).
ANNA
Chai Spiced Quinoa Breakfast Bowl with Apples is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day! This healthy vegan recipe is packed with plant-based protein and cozy fall flavors.