I love eating a variety of foods in my meals. And more than that, I like to feed my children a variety of foods too. So, even though I make oats twice a week, I try to make variations of it.
With the standardized tests going on last week, I was pleasantly surprised to know that the schools educated kids about the importance of eating healthy and hearty breakfasts. It reinforced the value of eating well because this is something I always talk about at home with my kids. When this information comes from the teachers as well, it just works much better!
Let’s get to the recipe, if I should even call it that. It’s super easy and takes about 10 mins to put together.
Serves: 2
Preparation time: 5 mins
Cook time: 5-7 mins
Ingredients:
Old fashioned Oats (or Rolled Oats): 1 cup (If using quick oats, the cooking time will be shorter.
Water: 2 cups (or more, as desired)
Ground cinnamon: 1/8 tsp
a pinch of salt
Chia seeds: 2 tsp (optional)
Maple Syrup (Gur or Jaggery or Honey as sweetener: 1 tbsp or more as per taste
Strawberries: 6-7, small diced
Bananas:1 or 1 1/2, small diced
Walnuts + Pistachios (or any other nuts of your choice): roughly chopped in a chopper, 2 tbsp per bowl – I usually make a small batch of it which I use for a week or two.
Method:
1. Add the oats, water, chia seeds, cinnamon and salt in a heavy bottom stainless steel pot. mix well and turn on the heat. To save time, you can let the oats soak in water for 10 mins to an hour or two, and then add the remaining ingredients and start cooking. If you are soaking the oats, you may need to add extra water.
2. With the heat on medium, let the oats come to a boil. Keep a close eye as they burn or stick to the bottom very quickly if not given proper care!
3. Now, lower the flame and stir often not letting the oats stick at the bottom. Cook to the consistency you like and feel free to adjust the water accordingly. When it’s almost done, add the maple syrup. I try not to add too much sweetener but let the fruit add it’s natural sweetness. So, if this is not sweet enough for you, you could add more maple syrup/honey OR, more bananas!
4. Take two serving bowls. Top them with the finely diced strawberries and bananas and the nuts mixture above.
Notes:
1. The nuts can be added whole. I coarsely grind it because my little one doesn’t like it otherwise.
2. If you have babies or toddlers eating, you can dry roast the oats for a couple of mins. Let it cool and then coarsely grind it and store in a bottle. Makes the cooking even more quicker.
3. For babies under 1, skip the honey. Consult your doctor before giving any food to babies/toddlers. I am not a doctor by any means, so please consult your doctor before feeding introducing new food to your babies.
4. This is what works for my children. And if it works for you, i’ll be happy to help!
Sublime Palate 