With just oatmeal and a couple of apples, you can whip up this deliciously warm and comforting apple cinnamon oatmeal. It’s a healthy, hearty breakfast that’s perfect for chilly mornings or anytime you need a nutritious boost. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups water or milk (for a creamier texture, dairy or any plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk works great)
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on your preference for sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Toppings of your choice (such as chopped nuts, raisins, dried or fresh additional fruit, or a dollop of yogurt)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures they’ll cook thoroughly and evenly when mixed into the oatmeal.
- Cook the Oatmeal: In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water or milk to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the rolled oats, and stir to combine.
- Add the Apples: Once the oats begin to simmer, add the diced apples and ground cinnamon to the saucepan. If you’re adding honey or maple syrup for sweetness, mix it in now. Stir everything together to ensure the apples and oats are well coated with the cinnamon and sweetener.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the oatmeal simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the oats have absorbed the liquid and softened to your liking. The apples should also be tender but not mushy.
- Serve: Once the oatmeal is cooked to your preference, remove it from the heat. Let it sit for a minute or two to thicken slightly, then serve into bowls.
- Add Toppings: Customize each bowl of oatmeal with your favorite toppings. Chopped nuts add a nice crunch, raisins or dried fruit can offer a chewy texture, and fresh fruit can provide a burst of freshness. A dollop of yogurt or a splash of milk can also add creaminess.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your warm, comforting bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal, perfect for starting your day with a healthy and satisfying meal.
This simple recipe can be easily modified to suit your tastes or dietary needs, and it’s a great way to use up any apples you have on hand. Making it three times a week will ensure you have a nutritious and delicious breakfast that never gets boring, especially when you play around with different toppings!
