Description
This Carrot Apple Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast option packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, fresh grated apple and carrot, fragrant spices, and natural sweeteners. It’s a creamy, nutrient-rich dish perfect for starting your day with a boost of fiber and flavor. Optional additions like walnuts and raisins provide delightful texture and bursts of sweetness.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 medium-sized apple, peeled, cored, and grated
- 1 medium-sized carrot, peeled and grated
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sweeteners
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
Optional Add-ins and Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup raisins
- Additional apple slices for garnish
- Additional walnuts for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Liquid: Begin by bringing the 2 cups of water or milk to a gentle boil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. This creates the cooking base for the oats and ensures even cooking.
- Add Oats and Produce: Add the 1 cup of rolled oats along with the grated apple and grated carrot to the boiling liquid. These fresh ingredients will cook into the oats, infusing natural sweetness and texture.
- Season: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. These spices add warm, aromatic flavors that complement the fruit and oats.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer. Stir occasionally for about 10-12 minutes or until the oats are tender and the mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency. This slow cooking melds the flavors and softens the carrot and apple.
- Add Sweetener and Vanilla: When the oats and carrot are tender, add 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Stir well to blend the sweetness and fragrance evenly throughout the oatmeal.
- Fold in Optional Ingredients: If desired, gently fold in the 1/4 cup chopped walnuts and 1/4 cup raisins. These add texture and extra bursts of flavor to your oatmeal.
- Rest: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the oatmeal sit for one minute. This resting period allows it to thicken slightly and reach the perfect serving consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and garnish with additional apple slices and walnuts for a visually appealing and tasty presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute water with any milk of your choice (cow, almond, oat, soy) for creamier texture.
- To make this recipe vegan, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness to taste or add more spices like ginger or cloves for a different flavor profile.
- The walnuts and raisins are optional but add nice texture and flavor; omit them if you prefer.
- This oatmeal reheats well for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
