As autumn's crisp breeze and vibrant colours settle in on Ontario, there is no better way to celebrate the season than with a nourishing and delicious fall power bowl that highlights the star of fall fruits: apples! This recipe combines fresh apple slices, roasted apples in apple-infused quinoa, hearty kale, roasted sweet potatoes and cauliflower, all brought together with a delightful apple cider vinaigrette. This tasty and nutritious meal not only satisfies your taste buds but also fuels your body with the goodness of seasonal ingredients. Enjoy this combination of textures and flavours that celebrate apple season in all its glory!
2cupsof applescubed (1 cm), choose apples that are great for baking. (*See guide in notes.)
2cupssweet potatoespeeled and cubed (1 cm)
2cupscauliflowerflorets
3tablespoonsolive oil
kosher salt
2cupskalepacked, cut into pieces
½cupdried cranberries
1cuptoasted walnutshalves
¼cupparsleyfinely chopped
2applesthinly sliced, choose apples that are best eaten fresh. (*See guide in notes.)
Quinoa with Roasted Apples
1cupwhole grain quinoa200g
1teaspoonkosher salt
2cupsfresh apple cider
1cinnamon stick
¼cupmarinated red onionthin slices (marinating optional)
Apple Cider Dijon Vinaigrette
¼teaspooncinnamon
¼teaspoonpepper
⅛teaspoonkosher salt
1teaspoongingerminced
1clovegarlicminced
2tablespoonsDijon mustard
2tablespoonsfresh apple cider
3tablespoonsapple cider vinegar
¼cupolive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F, with the oven rack in the centre.
Make the Apple Cider Dijon Vinaigrette
Place all of the ingredients in a small mason jar. Secure the lid tightly and give it a good shake. The key is to emulsify the ingredients, creating a smooth, creamy dressing. After shaking, open the jar, give it a taste, and adjust the seasoning to your liking, if necessary.
Roast the Apples, Sweet Potatoes, and Cauliflower
Place the apples, sweet potato, and cauliflower on a large sheet pan, keeping each ingredient separated from each other (the apples will be removed halfway through cooking). Drizzle each ingredient with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and toss separately to coat.
Place in the oven to roast for 10 to 15 minutes, until apples are just soft and golden (but not mushy). Remove the apples to a plate and set aside.
Raise the temperature of the oven to 425°F.
Return the sweet potato and cauliflower and cook for another 15 - 20 minutes, until tender, and crisp on the edges (do not toss the vegetables, let the side that is touching the bottom of the pan get crisp and caramelized).
While the veggies are roasting make the quinoa.
Make the Quinoa
In a medium saucepan, add the quinoa, salt, apple cider, cinnamon stick and stir. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for 12-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and the grain is tender.
Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
Fluff with fork then add the onions, parsley, cranberries and stir. Next, add the roasted apples and gently stir until incorporated.
Build the Power Bowl
Toss and massage the kale with a drizzle of the vinaigrette. Place a bed of kale onto each bowl.
Place the remaining ingredients in sections in the bowl; add a large spoonful each of the quinoa, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower.
Add the apple slices, walnuts, cranberries, and drizzle the vinaigrette all over. Enjoy!
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Video
Notes
ONTARIO APPLE VARIETIES AND USAGE GUIDENot sure which apples are best for baking or eating fresh? This guide from Produce Made Simple is a quick reference guide to help you out. You’re welcome ;)
Ambrosia – Sweet, crisp, low acidity – great raw and in salads
Cortland – Mild, sweet taste and crisp texture. Excellent for salads and fruit plates; resists browning. Good for pies and sauces.
Crispin – Tart to sweet taste and firm texture. Delicious in pies and chunky sauces.
Empire – Slightly tart, juicy, and crisp – great raw, in salads and sauces.
Fuji – Great for eating fresh. Gala – Sweet, fragrant, and crisp. Enjoyed raw and in salads, pies, and tarts.
Golden Delicious – Firm, juicy apple that keeps its shape when baked. Also, delicious cooked for applesauce.
Honeycrisp – Sweet, juicy, and crisp – great raw. Idared – Tart and maintains flavour when baked.
Jonagold – Firm, slightly coarse texture. Great for eating fresh and cooking.
Macintosh – Mildly tart, juicy but sweetens as it ripens – great raw, in salads, pie, sauce, and for baking.
Northern Spy – Excellent for pies and baked apples.
Red Delicious – Excellent for eating fresh and in salads.
Red Prince – A versatile apple, suitable for eating fresh, cooking and baking.
Russet – One of the oldest varieties in Ontario and more popular in Europe. Great fresh, in applesauce and baked.
Spartan – Delicious fresh and baked in a pie.
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