Blueberry Chia Steel Cut Oatmeal

Ingredients

2 tsp earth balance or light butter
1.5 cups steel cut oats
4.5 cups boiling water
1.5 cups almond milk (or your milk of choice)
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp (pinch) ginger
1/2 tsp pure vanilla
1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
1 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen

Optional toppings: nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), cranraisins, cherries, banana – the sky is the limit!

Directions:

(1). Melt earth balance or butter in large saucepan over medium heat

(2). Add steel cut oats and toast 2 minutes – stir frequently to prevent burning.

(3). Add boiling water to oats, give oats a quick stir, and cook uncovered over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes or until most of the water is gone (a little water in the bottom of the pan is normal– you don’t want all the water to cook out or you’ll burn your oats).

(4). Add milk, chia seeds, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, and maple syrup to the oats. Cook 8-10 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thick and creamy. If after 10 minutes the oats aren’t thick enough for you, remove pan from heat, cover, and let stand for 5-8 minutes. The oatmeal will thicken as it stands.

(5). Stir in blueberries and divide into 4 bowls (see note below).

(6). Add additional toppings if desired.

I like to make a batch of oatmeal on Sunday evening (without the blueberries and optional toppings), let it cool for 15 minutes, and then divide it into 4 containers for the week. In the morning, I add a splash of milk, heat for 2-3 minutes in the microwave, stir, and then add my blueberries and additional toppings. Perfect for a quick breakfast on the run!