Easy Vegan Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a classic breakfast that has been replaced with highly-processed cold cereals in many households. These oats are less processed than your standard breakfast cereal, and contain little-to-no additives. One reason I love oats is because the flavor combinations are endless and can be made to each person’s individual preference or changed seasonally to keep it feeling new. They contain a good amount of carbohydrates as well as some protein per serving, depending on the variety of oats you choose. Many varieties are also inexpensive – eating vegan doesn’t have to be hard or costly! Below, you’ll find my favorite easy way to make oats. I love to make oats in larger batches and portion them out for a quick grab & go breakfast (or snack!) throughout the week!
Equipment
- Medium sauce pan
- Stove
- Liquid measuring cup
- Solid measuring cups or scale
- Measuring spoons
- Paring knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¾-1 cup almond milk or milk alternative of choice
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cacao powder (optional)
- 1 tsp cacao nibs (optional)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp whole flax or chia seeds (optional)
- 1-2 cups Fresh fruit of choice
Instructions
- Add milk to a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.¾-1 cup almond milk or milk alternative of choice
- When milk is steaming, stir in dry oats.½ cup rolled oats
- As oats thicken, stir in spices (ground cinnamon, cacao powder, and cacao nibs) & maple syrup. These spices can be changed to individual taste & to compliment fruit additions of choice. Continue stirring to prevent sticking/scalding on bottom.1 tsp maple syrup, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp cacao powder (optional), 1 tsp cacao nibs (optional), 1-2 cups Fresh fruit of choice
- If adding more firm fruit (diced apples, sliced peaches, etc.), stir them in while oats begin to thicken so that the fruit will soften slightly and absorb the flavors from the spices.
- Lastly, add the vanilla extract and flax or chia seeds, stirring for about 30 seconds. If the vanilla extract is added too early, the flavor & aroma will be lessened during the cooking process. I always add flax & chia seeds last because they will gel during the cooking process and it can be difficult to maintain desired consistency.¼ tsp vanilla extract, 1 Tbsp whole flax or chia seeds (optional)
- Let oats simmer until desired thickness is reached, or about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. If oats become too sticky/thick, add in additional milk or water ¼ cup at time to thin.
- Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl and add any additional desired toppings. Enjoy while warm or to a Tupperware to cool and be stored for later. If storing, be sure to allow oats to cool, seal the Tupperware and store in the refrigerator for 4-6 days.
Notes
*Variations: For overnight oats, combine all of the above ingredients in a mason jar or container with airtight seal. Stir until ingredients are fully combined. Store sealed in fridge to enjoy the next morning or within 4-6 days.
You can also enjoy these combinations cold, like standard breakfast cereal. The texture will be different, but this is a great way to enjoy a cool breakfast or snack in the summer time.
Calories: 333, Fat: 14g, Carbs: 42g, Protein: 10g