Chai Spiced Oatmeal with Caramelized Apples Recipe
A comforting and aromatic chai-spiced oatmeal topped with luscious caramelized apples, perfect for a warming breakfast that combines traditional chai spices with creamy oats and sweet, buttery fruit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Oatmeal
- 4 cups rolled oats
- 8 cups water
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp butter or coconut butter
- ½ cup cream or coconut milk
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Caramelized Apples
- 2 tbsp butter or coconut butter
- 6 apples, cored and chopped
- 3 tbsp coconut sugar
- ½ cup cream or coconut milk
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
To Serve
- Dollop of yogurt (optional)
Instructions
- Simmer the oats: Combine the rolled oats, cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, water, and a pinch of salt in a medium-sized pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the oats: Let the oats simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until the water has mostly absorbed and the oats are nearly cooked through.
- Finish the oatmeal: Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter (or coconut butter) and ½ cup cream or coconut milk. Turn off the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let it steam for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the oats to fully soften.
- Prepare the caramelized apples: While the oats are steaming, melt 2 tablespoons of butter or coconut butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped apples and cook, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown.
- Caramelize the apples: Add 3 tablespoons coconut sugar, ½ cup cream or coconut milk, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the pan. Stir and cook until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture thickens into a luscious sauce coating the apples.
- Serve: Spoon the chai-spiced oatmeal into bowls, top with the warm caramelized apples, and add a dollop of yogurt if desired for extra creaminess.
Notes
- You can substitute coconut butter and coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less ginger and cloves.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweetness.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk to loosen the oats.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on servings needed.
