Apple Almond Quinoa with Maple Sausage

 Apple Almond Quinoa with Maple Sausage is a savory-sweet dish that blends nutty quinoa with the crispness of apples and the richness of maple sausage. It’s a perfect combination of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it ideal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here's a simple recipe to follow:

Ingredients:

For the Quinoa:

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (for extra flavor)

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

1 apple (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp), diced

1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Maple Sausage:

4 maple breakfast sausage links (or any sausage of choice)

1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for cooking)

1/2 teaspoon ground sage (optional, for added flavor)

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Instructions:

Prepare the Quinoa:

1. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork.

2. Cook the Apples: While the quinoa cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced apples and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the apples soften slightly but still have some texture. Add the ground cinnamon and stir to combine.

3. Toast the Almonds: In a separate small pan, toast the slivered almonds over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Set aside.

Prepare the Maple Sausage:

1. Cook the Sausage: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the maple sausage links and cook them according to the package instructions (usually 5-7 minutes per side). Once cooked, remove the sausages from the pan, slice them into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.

Assemble the Dish:

1. Combine the Quinoa and Apples: Once the quinoa is ready, add the sautéed apples, toasted almonds, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the quinoa. Stir to combine.

2. Add the Sausage: Gently fold in the sliced maple sausage pieces. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you like, sprinkle the dish with a little more cinnamon, sage, or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Serve:

Serve the Apple Almond Quinoa with Maple Sausage warm, either as a main dish or a hearty side.

Tips:

For a Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based maple sausage or substitute the sausage with extra nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added protein.

Add Greens: For extra nutrition, serve this dish with sautéed greens like spinach or kale.

Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add some fresh chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce over the dish.

This Apple Almond Quinoa with Maple Sausage is a comforting and nutritious meal, with a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for cozy mornings or as a hearty meal for any time of day!