Recipe: Stuffed Apples with Quinoa and Pomegranate
Introduction: This delightful and nutritious dish features perfectly baked apples stuffed with a savory blend of quinoa, feta cheese, and pomegranate seeds. The natural sweetness of the apples pairs beautifully with the savory filling, making this a wholesome and elegant dish. It’s a great option for breakfast, a light lunch, or even a festive side dish. The quinoa adds protein, while the pomegranate adds a burst of freshness and color.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala work well)
- 1/2 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth (for cooking quinoa)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or mint (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the apples:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Core the apples, removing the seeds and leaving the bottom intact to create a well for the filling. Place the apples in a baking dish.
- Cook the quinoa:
- In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat, and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Make the filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, crumbled feta, pomegranate seeds, olive oil, cinnamon, and honey. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Stuff the apples:
- Spoon the quinoa mixture into the hollowed-out apples, packing it in gently. Drizzle a little more honey or maple syrup over the top if desired for added sweetness.
- Bake the apples:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the apples for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Garnish and serve:
- Once the apples are baked, remove them from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint and additional pomegranate seeds. Serve warm.
Enjoy these stuffed apples as a healthy, flavorful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in every bite!