Quinoa is an amazing seed that is used as a grain and has so much versatility and benefits to eating it. Here are just a few listed by Forbes.

  1. It’s rich in protein and contains all nine amino acids.
  2. Contains almost twice as much fiber as other grains.
  3. Contains iron- it keeps our red blood cells healthy, and carries oxygen to our cells.
  4. Contains Lysine- essential for growth and repair.
  5. Rich in magnesium- helps with healthy bones and teeth, body temperature regulation, and energy production.
  6. High in Riboflavin (B2)- helps create proper energy production in cells.
  7. Contains high content of manganese. – Helps protect red blood cells from free radicals.

Being a vegan, this is a plus, but for others that aren’t vegan it has its benefits for you as well. So in my mind, this is a WIN/WIN grain. The recipe I decided to make was a simple quinoa parfait. It is sweet and yummy and can be made two ways and served two ways.

  1. Made with vegan yogurt and served cold.
  2. Made with cooked apples and served warm.

Or if you feel adventurous, you can mix the two and have an amazing party in your mouth.

Enjoy.

Quinoa Parfait

This parfait has the creamy texture from the yogurt and a soft sweet texture from the cooked apples. It can be a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving dinner desserts for a healthy and filling option.
Servings 2 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup quinoa uncooked
  • 2 cups water
  • Pinch salt
  • 4 apples
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp Agave
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 10 oz Vegan yogurt

Instructions
 

Cold Quinoa Parfait

  • Cook quinoa and place in refrigerator for an at least an hour to cool.
  • Cut, core, and peel apples. Slice them in chunks and place in pot with 1/4 cup of water. Add agave and cinnamon. Cook apples until they are chunky applesauce. Place in refrigerator for at least an hour to cool.
  • Spoon yogurt at the bottom of cup, layer with cooled quinoa, Next layer cooled cooked apples, quinoa, yogurt, quinoa, and last top with apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Warm Quinoa Parfait

  • Cook quinoa 1 cup quinoa in 2 cups water with a pinch of salt.
  • Cut, core, and peel apples. Slice them in chunks and place in pot with 1/4 cup of water. Add agave and cinnamon. Cook apples until they are chunky applesauce.
  • Spoon apples at the bottom of cup, layer with cooked quinoa, Next layer cooked apples, quinoa, apples, quinoa, and last top with apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!