There’s nothing quite like waking up to a warm, hearty bowl of oatmeal, especially when it’s brimming with cozy spices. This Spiced Steel-Cut Oatmeal is the ultimate comfort food breakfast. Unlike rolled oats, steel-cut oats have a wonderfully chewy texture and a nutty flavor that stands up beautifully to cinnamon, allspice, and a hint of clove. It’s a wholesome, satisfying, and naturally vegan way to fuel your morning and keep you full until lunch. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
• (Serves 4)
• 3 cups / 720 ml water
• 1 cup / 160 g steel-cut oats
• 1 tbsp / 15 g packed brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp / 1 g ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp / 0.5 g salt
• 1/8 tsp / 0.5 g ground allspice
• A dash of ground cloves or nutmeg
• Plant-based milk, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, steel-cut oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, allspice, and your choice of cloves or nutmeg.
2. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
3. Immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
4. Cook until the oats are tender and have reached your desired consistency. Serve warm, with a splash of your favorite plant-based milk if desired.
Nutritional Information
• PER SERVING: 174 calories, 3 g total fat (0 g saturated fat), 0 mg cholesterol, 79 mg sodium, 31 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 7 g protein.
Pro Tips
• For a deeper, nuttier flavor, toast the dry steel-cut oats in the saucepan for 2-3 minutes over medium heat before adding the water and other .
• Make a large batch at the beginning of the week for easy breakfasts. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of water or plant-based milk.
• Elevate your bowl with toppings! Try fresh berries, sliced bananas, chopped walnuts, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
• For an overnight, no-fuss breakfast, combine the in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 to 9 hours and wake up to perfectly cooked oatmeal.
FAQ
Q: How can I add more protein to this vegetarian oatmeal
A: To boost the protein, stir in a scoop of your favorite plant-based protein powder after cooking. You can also top your bowl with high-protein additions like chopped walnuts, almonds, hemp hearts, chia seeds, or a spoonful of peanut butter.
Q: Is this spiced oatmeal good for vegetarian meal prep
A: Yes, this is an excellent recipe for vegetarian meal prep. Cook a large batch and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply portion out a serving and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or plant-based milk to restore its creamy texture.
Q: Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. For a refined sugar-free option, you can substitute the brown sugar with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. We recommend adding liquid sweeteners after the oatmeal has cooked to ensure the best consistency.
Q: What are the best plant-based milks for this oatmeal
A: Most plant-based milks work wonderfully. For a creamier result, try oat milk or soy milk. Almond milk is a great lighter option, and coconut milk (from a carton) will add a subtle tropical flavor that pairs nicely with the spices.
