Oatmeal and Apples
Ingredients
For the apple mixture:
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2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith work well)
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1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil
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1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
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Pinch of salt
For the oatmeal:
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1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned)
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2 cups milk, water, or a mix of both
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1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
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Pinch of salt
For topping (optional):
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Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
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Extra cinnamon
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Greek yogurt or milk drizzle
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Additional diced fresh apples
Instructions
1. Cook the apples
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In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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Stir and cook for 5–7 minutes, until the apples are soft and caramelized.
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Set aside — you can keep some for topping later.
2. Cook the oatmeal
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In a saucepan, bring milk (or water) to a gentle boil.
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Stir in the oats and salt.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes (or until thick and creamy).
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Stir in maple syrup and vanilla extract, if using.
3. Combine
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Add the cooked apples to the oatmeal and stir to combine.
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Taste and adjust sweetness or spices if needed.
4. Serve
Spoon into bowls and top with:
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The reserved caramelized apples
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A sprinkle of cinnamon
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A drizzle of maple syrup or milk
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A handful of chopped nuts or granola for crunch
Tips & Variations
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Make it creamy: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or nut butter before serving.
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Baked version: Combine everything in a baking dish and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25–30 minutes for a “baked oatmeal” texture.
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Overnight oats: Mix uncooked oats, milk, cinnamon, and chopped apples; refrigerate overnight and enjoy cold or warm.
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Add protein: Stir in a scoop of protein powder or a spoonful of peanut butter.
Would you like me to give you a baked oatmeal with apples version (great for meal prep and reheating) or keep this stovetop creamy version?