Featured Recipe
Oatmeal Date Bowl

By Kate
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Start with 450 ml water. Steel-cut oats instead of oat flour. Nutmeg replaces cinnamon. Add salt, maple syrup reduced to 10 ml, swap dates for dried apricots diced. Finish with pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts. Cook oats stirring 10 minutes until thickened, tender. Pour into bowls. Top with apricots, pumpkin seeds. Slightly longer simmer than typical. Sweet and nutty, hearty.
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Prep:
12 min
Cook:
15 min
Total:
27 min
Serves:
2 servings
vegan
breakfast
healthy
easy
quick
Introduction
Steel-cut oats with apricots. Nutmeg scent. Thick, hearty. Not quick like instant. Wait, cook right. Maple, slight sweetness. Crunch of pumpkin seeds. Breakfast or brunch. Vegan always. No gluten or dairy in sight. Simple ingredients. Warm, early morning fuel. A bowl to get going. No frills. Pure oat power. Slow simmer makes texture. No mush. Just thick. Spoon, taste. Apricot bits soft, contrast bite of seeds. Every spoonful different. Build flavors with bites. Nutmeg sharp, maple smooth. Messy but manageable. Not fancy. Thatβs all.
Ingredients
About the ingredients
Steel-cut oats take longer but give chewiness lost with ground oats. Nutmeg adds warmth, an unexpected twist instead of usual cinnamon. Dried apricots bring tart balance, just a hint. Maple syrup quantity lowered for a less sweet result, letting natural apricot sugars shine. Pumpkin seeds for texture, replacing the typical walnut crunch, and add subtle earthiness. Water amount increased slightly to suit steel-cut oats viscosity. Salt pinch crucial, brings all flavor alive.
Method
Technique Tips
Bring water, oats, nutmeg, salt to medium heat in small saucepan. Stir frequently but cook uncovered so thickening happens evenly. After 10 to 12 minutes oats will be tender but not mushy. Add maple syrup and half the apricots, stir gently to mix bright fruit flavor throughout. Off heat, distribute oats into bowls. Remaining dried apricots reserved for topping, along with pumpkin seeds added just before eating for maximal crunch. Timing important for texture: too long cooking breaks oats down too much. Keep watch narrow window. Simple, straightforward. No fancy techniques.
Chef's Notes
- π‘ Measure water 450 ml. Not too much, not too little. Steel-cut oats require more water. Consistency matters. Use small pot. Control heat. Cook uncovered.
- π‘ Stir often. Don't let it stick. Cooking time varies, 10 to 12 minutes. Check regularly for doneness. Mix well when adding apricots. Bright flavor bursts.
- π‘ Maple syrup reduces sweetness. Use only 10 ml. Let apricots shine. Balance is key. Pumpkin seeds replace walnuts. Adds crunch. Earthiness complements flavors.
- π‘ Nutmeg instead of cinnamon. Different taste. Adds warmth. Pinch of salt vital. Elevates overall flavor. Omit if avoiding salt, but why not?
- π‘ Timing crucial for texture. Don't overcook. Aim for thick and tender. Steel-cut oats have a chewiness that is satisfying. Watch closely.
Kitchen Wisdom
How can I improve the texture of my oats?
Timing matters. Don't overcook. 10 to 12 minutes recommended. Check for tenderness. Keep stirring.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, in fridge. Use airtight container. Heat gently next time. Add a splash of water to loosen it. Simple fix.
What if I don't have apricots?
Other dried fruit works. Try raisins. Or cherries. Adjust sweetness as needed. Experiment freely. Tastes change.
What's the best way to top these oats?
Top with more fruit, or nuts. Add seeds for crunch. Honey works if you need more sweet. Go for creativity.