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!
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.
