Apple Sweet Potato Quinoa Casserole

I hate to admit it but I used to watch The Chew regularly. I would often fast forward half the show but I always got excited when I saw a healthy recipe appear. On one episode they made this quinoa apple dish that looked amazing, although it sounded strange at first. Was it a dessert? A breakfast? The idea of it was appealing to me and I knew immediately that I would have to try it (and, of course, put my own twist on it).  It didn’t seem that complicated and sounded like it would be the perfect warm breakfast or dessert for after a long bike ride or run. It could even be a good source of pre-workout fuel.I love the idea of quinoa for breakfast. People usually stick to oatmeal so quinoa is a nice change. And it’s actually a seed – not a grain! So it’s packed with healthy fats. I like making this in the beginning of the week because you can refrigerate it and enjoy a home cooked breakfast all week long without having to slave in the kitchen every day. Preparation is key. I tell my clients over and over again that you have to set yourself up to succeed.And speaking of meal prep, I was recently very excited to learn about Direct Eats. I first shared this website with my clients and then I thought I should tell all of you! Direct Eats is basically the Costco of all things healthy. You can find all your healthy pantry staples at a low cost. And the best part is they deliver it to you! No membership fee or catches. It’s pretty awesome. You can even shop by category if you have allergies, restrictions, etc…..So yes, being prepared is key. But with Direct Eats it’s so easy you can literally place your grocery order while sitting at work. I got everything I needed to make this recipe from Direct Eats minus the apples, protein powder and eggs. And since those ingredients are things I always have handy, there was no issue when it came to whipping up this Quinoa Sweet Potato Apple Casserole.

Heres what I got from Direct Eats to make this dish:

• Sweet Potato or Pumpkin Puree 
• Coconut Milk
• Cinnamon
• Quinoa
• Raisins
• Walnuts
• Coconut oil spray

It was super quick to make! I added some of my favorite protein powder – AboutTime Vegan blend – for some added protein and flavor and also to make it “workout fuel worthy.” It has everything you need to recover and rebuild. I can’t wait to make it again for my next brunch get together. It’s one of those dishes you can make way before hand and serve later. Great for large parties. And it happens to be both an affordable and a hearty dish! Try it out and let me know what you think! Comment below or tag me on instagram @runningonveggiesRecipe:

• 2 Tart Apples (1/4″ dice)
• 1 teaspoon  Cinnamon
• 1 can Sweet Potato Puree
• 2 Organic Eggs
• 2 cups non-dairy milk
• 1/4 cup vegan protein powder
• 1 cup  uncooked quinoa (rinsed)
• 1/2 cup Raisins
• 1/2 cup crushed Walnuts
• Non-stick cooking spray (to lightly oil pan)

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl combine sweet potato puree, eggs, milk, cinnamon and protein powder. Whisk until evenly combined.
2. Fold the chopped apples into the wet mixture.
3. Spread rinsed quinoa on the bottom of a prepared baking dish (9×9) and sprinkle raisins on top.
4. Pour down your sweet potato mixture onto the quinoa and raisins. Sprinkle walnuts on top.
5. Bake at 350 for 1 hour-1 hour and 15 minutes until center is cooked.