While it might not feel like Autumn where you are yet, chances are you are still seeing the autumn harvest show up in your grocery stores and farmers’ markets. Buying seasonally is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, and therefore to reduce your contribution to climate change. So if you’re concerned about changing weather patterns (and I’m guessing you are since you’re here at Revolutionary Chef), throw some apples in your basket this week and let’s make some Stovetop Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal.
This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to skip the packaged options without much hassle. And the packaged varieties are a bummer. Why?
First, they contain unnecessary packaging, and even the paper packets often have a plastic lining, which makes the packaging impossible to recycle. Two, they are full of sugar and I have yet to find an oatmeal where that sugar is ethically sourced. If you make your own at home, you can sweeten with an ethical sweetener and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Stovetop Oatmeal Basics
I know many of us grew up with the packaged options so making stovetop oatmeal can sound intimidating, but I promise it doesn’t have to be and the result is much more delicious oatmeal filled with ingredients that you can trust.
Just follow the step-by-step instructions in the recipe below and you’ll get perfectly cooked oats. A few keys for cooking stovetop oatmeal:
- Use a 2-1 liquid to oats ratio. For liquid you can use water, milk (I recommend plant-based), or a combination of the two. I usually do a 50/50 split between water and almond milk.
- Let your liquid come to a boil before adding the oats, then reduce heat to low and stir frequently until liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Use a bit of salt. A pinch of salt per serving added to your liquid brings out the nutty flavor in the oats.
This recipe has the added benefit of being healthier than the average packaged variety. The apples are fresh and are a great source of antioxidants and fiber. The almonds offer a great, toasty crunch, along with healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E. The flax seeds are there for additional fiber and omega-3s. Finally, it is naturally sweetened with just a hint of maple syrup.
You can make Stovetop Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal ahead of time and store it in airtight containers (glass jars are a great option) for 4-5 days. To re-heat in microwave, put the oatmeal in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of milk or water and microwave for approximately 1 minute. To re-heat on stove, put it in a small pot with a splash of milk or water and heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally until warm.
What Makes Stovetop Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Revolutionary?
1. You are using seasonal ingredients, which reduces your carbon footprint as food doesn’t have to travel from far away to reach you.
2. You are using Fair Trade cinnamon, vanilla extract, and coconut oil, and you are sourcing responsible maple syrup. For more information on why, check out my Guide on Foods to Buy Fair Trade.
3. You are reducing packaging. You can buy apples whole without any packaging. Many stores also sell oats, almonds, and flax seeds in bulk. Skip the plastic bags and bring your own jars or re-useable produce bags to stock up.
I hope you enjoy this recipe. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Stovetop Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Fair Trade coconut oil
- 1/4 cup almonds
- 1 apple cored and diced into 1/2-1 inch pieces
- 3/4 cups water
- 3/4 cups plant-based milk
- 1/2 tsp Fair trade vanilla extract
- 3/4 cups old-fashioned or rolled oats certified gluten-free if preferred
- 2 tsp flax seeds
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 tsp Fair Trade cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- Additional dairy-free milk (approximately 1/4 cup) optional – add more or less based on preference
Instructions
- In a small to medium pot, heat coconut oil on medium heat.
- Add almonds and apples and let cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Once apples have softened, add water, plant-based milk, vanilla extract, and salt to pot. Bring to a boil.
- Once liquid boils, turn heat to medium-low and add oats and flax seeds. Cook approximately 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon and maple syrup. Cover for 2 minutes.
- Serve with additional splash of plant-based milk.
Loved the oatmeal.
I’m so glad, Patty! Thank you for your review.
OMG! So yummy and quick too.
…forgot to do the stars
Thank you for the review, Nelly!