Oats are a very good way of getting in a lot of nutrients. They are a great source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They are great at keeping you full for a long time.
You can add almost anything to oats and it would taste good. You can make it sweet or savory. You can pan fry it, bake it, boil it or just eat it as is. Either way is amazing and good for you.
There are some people who can not tolerate or are allergic to this type of grain. You don’t have to feel left out. You can sub oats for chia seeds, quinoa, buckwheat, buckinis, or any vegetable. I have tried this will each one and it is equally delicious. I also substituted with zucchini and sweet potato. With this being said let’s start with the recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
2 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup Oats or other grain/non-grain you like
1 tsp vanilla extract or powder
1 tsp cinnamon
Zest of 1 lemon
pinch of salt (optional)
2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp flax seeds, ground
1/2 cup wild blueberries or plain blueberries ( fresh or frozen)
Plant-based milk of choice ( I used Unsweetened Almond Milk)
DIRECTIONS:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, Add the water and bring to a slow boil. Add the oats or other grain/non-grain of choice. Cook until tender. This depends on what you are cooking. For oats, I usually cook this for about 6 to 8 minutes. For quinoa and other grains/non-grains, you are using you can read the back of the box/pack and go from there. It usually doesn’t take longer than 10-12 minutes depending.
- When the grain/non-grain is soft and cooked through, Add the salt, cinnamon, vanilla, chia, flax seeds, lemon zest, and maple syrup. stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes longer.
- Add the blueberries and stir to combine. If you are using fresh blueberries you will notice the oats will not turn color unless you pop some of the berries. which is ok. If you use frozen berries you will notice the oats turn a bright blue color. This is how I like my oats with this recipe. I guess it is the look of it being bright blue that appeases me. But either way, it is delicious.
TOPPINGS:
Peanut butter granola or other types of granola
coconut flakes
flax
Chia
hemp seeds
cacao nibs
fresh or frozen fruit
yogurt
peanut or nut/seed butter
Top to your heart’s desire. ENJOY!
I love making this all through the entire year. I especially love it on cold mornings when I can just sit on the porch wrapped up in my thick sweaters and blankets and relax to a big bowl of oats and watch the water ripple on the lake. It just appeases my heart and soul. Sometimes I just plop on the sofa and throw a blanket over me and turn on the t.v and devour the entire bowl whilst watching something interesting. I know that is not intuitive eating but sometimes it is just good for the soul ya know! Either way, you eat this it will be very pleasing. 
The Southern Rustic 