📝 About This Recipe
This isn't your average bowl of mush; it is a sophisticated, nutrient-dense breakfast designed to fuel your body and delight your palate. By toasting the oats and simmering them in a blend of creamy almond milk and warming spices, we create a rich, nutty foundation that perfectly complements the earthy crunch of flax and hemp hearts. It is a dairy-free masterpiece that balances silky textures with a powerful punch of Omega-3s and plant-based protein.
🥗 Ingredients
The Grains & Seeds
- 1 cup Old-fashioned rolled oats (certified gluten-free if necessary)
- 2 tablespoons Ground flaxseed meal (freshly ground provides the best flavor)
- 3 tablespoons Hulled hemp seeds (hemp hearts) (raw and shelled)
- 1 teaspoon Chia seeds (for extra thickness and fiber)
The Liquid & Aromatics
- 2 cups Unsweetened almond milk (or creamy oat milk for a nut-free version)
- 1/2 cup Water (to adjust consistency)
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract (high quality)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon is preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground ginger (for a subtle zing)
- 1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt (to enhance the natural sweetness)
Toppings & Finishing
- 1-2 tablespoons Pure maple syrup (Grade A dark color)
- 1/2 cup Fresh blueberries (rinsed and dried)
- 2 tablespoons Walnut halves (lightly toasted and crushed)
- 1 Banana (sliced into coins)
- 1 tablespoon Unsweetened coconut flakes (lightly toasted)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Place a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the dry rolled oats to the pan without any oil or liquid.
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2
Toast the oats for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until they smell fragrant and nutty and turn a very pale golden brown.
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3
Carefully pour in the almond milk and water. Be prepared for a bit of steam! Stir immediately to combine.
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4
Stir in the ground flaxseed meal, chia seeds, cinnamon, ginger, and the pinch of salt.
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5
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a steady simmer.
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6
Cook the oatmeal for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently. Frequent stirring releases the starches in the oats, creating a creamier texture without needing dairy.
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7
Once the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and reached your desired thickness, stir in the vanilla extract.
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8
Fold in 2 tablespoons of the hemp hearts, reserving the final tablespoon for a crunchy garnish at the end.
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9
Remove the pan from the heat and cover with a lid. Let the oatmeal rest for 2 minutes; this allows the flax and chia to fully hydrate, resulting in a superior mouthfeel.
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10
Give the porridge one final vigorous stir. If it seems too thick, splash in a little extra warm almond milk.
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11
Divide the oatmeal into two warmed bowls. Warm bowls prevent the porridge from seizing up and getting cold too quickly.
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12
Top each bowl with the sliced banana, fresh blueberries, toasted walnuts, and coconut flakes.
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13
Drizzle the maple syrup over the top and finish with a final sprinkle of the remaining hemp hearts for visual appeal and texture.
💡 Chef's Tips
Toasting the dry oats before adding liquid is the 'secret' chef step that adds a complex, popcorn-like depth of flavor. Always add your flax meal toward the end or during the simmer rather than boiling it at high heat to preserve its delicate Omega-3 oils. If you prefer a 'steel-cut' texture but only have rolled oats, reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes and don't stir as vigorously. Store leftover hemp and flax seeds in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent their natural oils from going rancid. For a savory twist, omit the syrup and fruit, and top with a soft-boiled egg, avocado, and a dash of tamari.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a robust pour-over coffee to balance the sweetness. Serve alongside a small glass of fresh-pressed green juice for a complete antioxidant-rich breakfast. Add a dollop of almond butter or cashew butter on top for extra creaminess and protein. A side of sliced grapefruit with a sprinkle of mint makes for a refreshing citrus palate cleanser.