Cardamom Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

sarahaas

8 years ago

I have a new love and his name is cardamom. No, he is not an eccentric Italian painter (but what a cool name for an eccentric Italian painter, right?), he is a spice. And he is simply magical in this Cardamom Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal.

Beyond The Oatmeal Packet

Oatmeal is a household breakfast staple yet how many times have you suffered through a cloyingly sweet, yet somehow unsatisfying bowl of oatmeal? You can’t see me, but I’m raising my hand – really high. Because I definitely have. I’ve had my fair share of those handy quick oat packets. And while convenient, they never left me energized like they promised. I was always “hangry” shortly after eating them and wishing I had stuck with my trusty PB&J on toast. Ugh.

Homemade Oatmeal is the Real Deal

But I found a solution. Skip the packet and make my own. So that’s what I started to do years ago. Experimenting with flavors and nutritious additions so that I would be happy and well-nourished. And after last weekend, where we acquired a plethora of apples after spending a morning in a local apple orchard, I got inspired. How about pairing my new love (cardamom) with my old love (oatmeal) and my always love (apples)?

Cardamom Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

The pairing worked! Turns out this dish is tasty and satisfying. Hooray! And here’s even better news, it’s worth the effort to peel and chop those apples, I promise. Those fresh apples add the perfect touch of sweetness and that little bit of butter is just what you need to soften them to perfection. And since you’re using the apple peel as garnish, that means no food waste, and that’s always a good thing in my book. Oh, and that touch of cardamom is just perfection – it’s bound to be your new love too! Now what are you waiting for? Breakfast is calling – and not from a packet!

Cardamom Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Author: Sara Haas

Print Recipe

Description

Add a little spice to your next bowl of oatmeal – and don’t forget the apples!

Ingredients

Scale

2 small apples
1 1/2 teaspoons butter
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups water
2 cups old fashioned oats
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

Peel, core and dice the apples. Discard the core, thinly slice the peel and reserve.
Set a medium saucepan over medium heat and add butter. Once butter has melted, add the diced apples. Cook, stirring often, until lightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the cardamom and cinnamon and cook one more minute. Add the water, increase the heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil. Stir in the oats and salt, reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Turn off the heat, add the vanilla extract and brown sugar.
Portion into bowls and garnish with walnuts, thinly sliced apple peel and a dash of cinnamon.