Ingredients:

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa (white or tri-colour), rinsed thoroughly
  • 2 cups liquid (Whole milk or water recommended)
  • 1/4 cup Maple Syrup (plus extra for drizzling)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon (for base)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • 2 medium Apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons packed Brown Sugar (for topping)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon cold Unsalted Butter, cut into small cubes

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
  2. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold running water using a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs completely clear to remove any bitterness.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, milk/water, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 10 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed. The quinoa should still be slightly undercooked.
  5. Transfer the partially cooked quinoa mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into a flat layer.
  6. In a separate small bowl, toss the diced apples with the brown sugar and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon until coated.
  7. Scatter the seasoned apples evenly over the quinoa base. Dot the top evenly with the small cubes of cold butter.
  8. Bake for 35–40 minutes. The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the top should be slightly golden brown and bubbly.
  9. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra maple syrup if desired before serving warm.