📝 About This Recipe
Elevate your morning ritual with this luxuriously creamy, no-cook porridge that transforms humble oats into a velvety masterpiece while you sleep. By pairing high-fiber rolled oats with protein-packed chia seeds, we create a pudding-like texture that is both satisfying and incredibly nourishing. Infused with real vanilla bean and a touch of maple, this dish serves as the perfect canvas for seasonal fruits and crunchy nut garnishes.
🥗 Ingredients
The Oat Base
- 1 cup Old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free if preferred; avoid quick or instant oats)
- 2 tablespoons Black or white chia seeds (provides the essential thickening power)
- 1 tablespoon Hemp hearts (for added nuttiness and omega-3s)
- 1/8 teaspoon Fine sea salt (essential to balance the sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon is preferred for its delicate flavor)
The Liquid Gold
- 1 1/4 cups Unsweetened almond or oat milk (use full-fat coconut milk for extra decadence)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt (adds a pleasant tang and probiotic boost)
- 1-2 tablespoons Pure maple syrup (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla bean paste (or the seeds from half a vanilla bean pod)
- 1/4 teaspoon Almond extract (optional, for a professional pastry-chef aroma)
Fresh Toppings & Textures
- 1/2 cup Fresh blueberries or sliced strawberries (washed and patted dry)
- 2 tablespoons Toasted almond slivers (for essential crunch)
- 1 tablespoon Nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew butter for drizzling)
- 2-3 pieces Fresh mint leaves (torn for a bright finish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Select two wide-mouth 12-ounce glass jars (like Mason jars) to ensure there is enough room for the oats to expand and for you to stir in toppings later.
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2
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, chia seeds, hemp hearts, cinnamon, and sea salt until the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
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3
In a separate smaller bowl or large measuring cup, combine the milk of your choice, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, and almond extract.
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4
Whisk the wet ingredients vigorously to ensure the yogurt and vanilla paste are fully incorporated into the milk without any lumps.
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5
Pour the wet mixture over the dry oat mixture. Use a silicone spatula to fold the ingredients together until every oat flake is moistened.
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6
Let the mixture sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes. This 'pre-soak' allows the chia seeds to begin hydrating, which prevents them from clumping at the bottom of the jar.
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7
Give the mixture one final, thorough stir, ensuring no pockets of dry chia seeds remain at the bottom of the bowl.
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8
Divide the mixture evenly between your two prepared glass jars, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top.
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9
Seal the lids tightly and place the jars in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, though overnight (8 hours) is ideal for the creamiest texture.
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10
In the morning, remove the jars and give them a good stir. If the oats seem too thick, splash in an extra tablespoon of milk to loosen the consistency.
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11
Taste the oats and add an extra drizzle of maple syrup or a pinch of salt if desired.
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12
Layer your fresh berries, toasted almonds, and a generous drizzle of nut butter directly onto the oats.
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13
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and serve chilled directly from the jar or transfer to a breakfast bowl.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use rolled oats; steel-cut oats will remain too gritty, and instant oats will turn to mush. If your oats are too thin, add an extra teaspoon of chia seeds and wait 30 minutes; if too thick, whisk in more milk. Toast your nuts in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before topping to significantly enhance the flavor profile. For a 'Pro' move, layer the fruit at the bottom of the jar (fruit-on-the-bottom style) for a beautiful visual presentation. These oats keep beautifully for up to 4 days, making them the ultimate meal-prep solution.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a hot cup of pour-over coffee or a light Earl Grey tea. Serve alongside a soft-boiled egg for an extra punch of morning protein. Add a side of crisp turkey bacon or plant-based sausage for a sweet-and-salty contrast. For a brunch party, set out a 'Toppings Bar' with various seeds, fruits, and syrups. Enjoy as a post-workout recovery snack due to the high protein and complex carb content.