We could prattle on about the Peruvian and Bolivian origins of this healthy apple quinoa drink, but you’re the parent of a toddler, so let’s be real: this is basically a bolstered and boosted applesauce…if it were a drink. We realize that may not be an entirely persuasive “sell” of the beverage; the added protein and fiber from the quinoa may not be either (because, again, quinoa as a beverage…). But if you’ve got extra apples, a sick child, and/or a cold morning, few things comfort and nourish better than this unassuming beverage, which can sub in for both smoothies or tea.
Now, in Peru, they drink this as a porridge, fruit chunks and grains large and in charge; that’s not going to fly with your small child. (Reader, we have tried: it does not.) So we adapted the recipe with toddlers in mind, adding milk and a trip through the blender to ensure it is creamy and not grainy. The result has the texture of a milkshake; the heartiness of a soup; and, yes, the taste of applesauce–drinks like a meal, tastes like a (healthy) snack.
Check out our other savory apple recipes!
Recipe Links
What to Serve With Healthy Apple Quinoa Drink
- Ultimate French Toast – a stuffed french toast hearty and rich enough to stand up to the apple quinoa drink.
- Torn Pancake – A rich and eggy pancake breakfast that matches perfectly with the apple quinoa drink.
More Toddler-Friendly Recipes Like This
- Healthy Veggie Smoothie – A low-sugar smoothie in the same wholesome category, with a focus on fruit-based nutrition.
- Chocolate Quinoa Crisps for Kids – Another quinoa-forward recipe that brings plant-based goodness into fun toddler-friendly snacks.
- Toddler Hydration Drink – A simple, refreshing drink option that’s aligned in style and context with the apple quinoa drink.
Healthy Apple Quinoa Drink Your Toddler Will Love
Description
This healthy apple quinoa drink is creamy, naturally sweet, and perfect for toddlers! A nutritious, easy recipe parents can feel good about serving every day.
Ingredients
Instructions
Prep, Cook, and Assemble
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If not using pre-cut fruit, peel and cut apple and pineapple (or pear) into small(er) cubes. Rinse quinoa until water runs clear.
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Place fruit and quinoa in a small pot and cover with two cups of water.
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Reduce temperature so that the liquid in the pot gently bubble, then cook until quinoa is soft and tender, roughly 15-20 minutes.
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Add the milk and the turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom; stir to blend. Allow to simmer uncovered for five minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for five or ten minutes.
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Pour apple-quinoa mix into a blender; add a big squeeze of honey. Blend on high until fruit and quinoa are completely integrated into the liquid, roughly 30-45 seconds.
Serve
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Unless you plan on serving this in lieu of a snack or meal–say, because your child is under the weather, or because it’s close enough to meal time that a nosh would affect your child’s appetite–a little goes a long way, which is to say that something warm and quinoa-y can be quite filling. if your child likes applesauce—or if you sold them on the drink as being like applesauce—definitely spoon some more honey into the cup before serving.
Adapt
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To make a one- or two-serving version, chop up an apple and add to a pot with 3 tablespoons of quinoa, and three cubes of pineapple or pear; boil for 10-15 minutes. Dilute 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in one tablespoon of warm water and add to the pot, along with the spices and a splash or two of milk; pour into your blender, add a drizzle of honey, and mix until creamy.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Serving Size 4 ounces
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 80kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 1.25g2%
- Potassium 222mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 14g5%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 2.5g5%
- Vitamin C 11 mg
- Calcium 63 mg
- Iron 0.75 mg
- Magnesium 22 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
