Over the years I’ve transitioned from a first-thing-in-the-morning breakfast eater to a some-time-before lunch breakfast eater. And by ‘lunch’ I mean the hour that I step away from my desk to get a bit of exercise.
Because I pack my breakfast with me to work, I’m still relying mostly on smoothies, which I pack in a jar and throw into the side pouch of my backpack, and overnight oats, even as the weather becomes cooler.
I do love warm oatmeal, though I don’t make time for it very often. Not that warm oatmeal takes all that long to make, quite the opposite. And I could probably make it in the microwave at work if I wanted to. In fact, I could make my entire breakfast at work – my company provides a generous breakfast including fresh bread delivered every morning, fruit, yoghurt, cheese, and a good selection of muesli and a few other things.
But when it comes to my food, I am nothing if not a creature of routine (you may have garnered that from reading my meal plans). So I kept thinking about warm oatmeal but never getting around to making any until a day recently when the stars lined up (I was working from home and a friend called to ask me how to make oatmeal) and warm oatmeal was had.
This oatmeal combines rolled oats with a grated pear, some fresh ginger, and a touch of cardamom. It ends up being about as much pear as oats, which keeps things on the lighter side and creates a delicate sweet flavour without adding any sugar. Pear and ginger are such a lovely combination, and punchy cardamom kicks things up a notch. If you’re not familiar with using cardamom, tread carefully; a little goes a long way.
Oats are rich in indigestible carbohydrates called beta-glutens which help to lower blood cholesterol levels. Oats are also host to a number of phenolic compounds which have antioxidant properties. Due to the high levels of those beta-glucans, oats are also helpful in stabilizing blood sugar. In fact, eating oats in the morning may help keep your blood sugar stable throughout the entire day. Oats are also a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Look for gluten-free oats if you're celiac or have another gluten sensitivity.
Three years ago: Thursday Night Fry
Four years ago: Curried Potato Chickpea Patties
warm oatmeal with pear, ginger, and cardamom
Ingredients
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup almond milk
- pinch of sea salt
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 small pear grated
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- ⅛ - ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- chopped walnuts and maple syrup to serve
Instructions
- Combine the water, almond milk, and pinch of salt in a small pot, and bring to the boil.
- Add oats and stir well. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the oatmeal has thickened considerably.
- Stir in the grated pear, along with any juices, the grated ginger, and ground cardamom.
- Remove from heat, cover with a lid, and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Give the oatmeal another good stir, then spoon into a bowl.
- Serve hot, with chopped walnuts and good quality maple syrup.
Notes
If you like a looser oatmeal increase the water to 1 cup.
Jillian says
I'm so impressed with this recipe! I substituted apples because that's what I had, add 1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon and topped it with diced apples. Mmmm.
Neeta says
This was lovely! Threw in some sunflower seeds and ground pecans as well. Also used a tablespoon of buckwheat groats
Along with the oats.
Katie Trant says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Sue says
Is it better to grate the pear ? If so, why ?
Katie Trant says
I like grating the pear because it sort of melts into the oatmeal, but you could by all means dice it up instead.
Sue says
Love this, for speed I soak the oats overnight in the water/milk, then in the morning put in the microwave for 2mins to warm it a little then add the grated pear and spices. Sometimes I add the pear or even apple the night before too along the lines of Bircher recipes.
Katie Trant says
Great idea! I do an apple cinnamon overnight oats that isn't too dissimilar from what you described. Haven't tried heating it up, but I'm sure it would be lovely!
Gwen @ Delightful Adventures says
I always have a hard time coming up with new ideas for breakfast. I love the sounds of this recipes. I jsut pinned it and I can't wait to try it. Thanks for sharing!
Katie Trant says
Thanks Gwen! It's one of my favourites for a warm winter breakfast. I hope you like it!
Emma @ Bake Then Eat says
I love oatmeal but like you I am not really a first thing in the morning eater, so I tend to enjoy them at the weekend or when I have a little time to wake up and get things done before I sit down to relax.
Katie Trant says
I used to be a morning eater, but no more! So something like this is now a special treat, and I always look forward to it.
Linda @ Veganosity says
This sounds like a wonderful combination. I used ginger in an apple spice muffin that I made yesterday and it was too intense. I want to try it with the pear now because it sounds like a better fit.
Katie Trant says
Really? I love ginger with apple as well. Did you use fresh or ground ginger? I realllly like ginger, so I'm ok with using a lot, but I'll definitely use more if it's fresh, especially in baking. But try with the pear! It's a lovely combination.
Linda @ Veganosity says
I used ground ginger. I usually love it, but something was off this time. Maybe I need to dump the jar and get a new one?
Katie Trant says
Hmm. Maybe try it in another recipe first? Possibly the proportions were off?
Kathryn says
Really love the flavours in this Katie. It sounds so warming and comforting; just right for a dark and chilly morning
Katie Trant says
Exactly. And that's how mornings seem to be going these days, don't they?
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
Love the know what you are eating section! So much awesome info in that little bit. I also really enjoy this recipe. I really adore pear but it often gets a little to mushy to eat. This would be a perfect use !
Katie Trant says
Thanks Sam! Maintaining that section is a lot of work but people seem to really appreciate it. I know what you mean about mushy pear - this is definitely a great way to use up a mushy one!
Alissa says
I'm in total agreement with you on the cardamom. I love it, but it's quite intense, which I learned by making the mistake of throwing way too much into a dish. Ginger and pear sound like the perfect compliment for some cardamom. I'm like you and generally stick with a routine, quick breakfast during the week, but I'll definitely give this a try one weekend soon!
Katie Trant says
Cardamom can make everything taste like soap if you use too much! It is a lovely combination with the ginger and pear, though, so long as you use a light hand.