Description
Warm Spiced Pumpkin Oatmeal is a cozy and nutritious breakfast perfect for crisp fall mornings. This dish combines creamy rolled oats with vibrant pumpkin puree and a warming blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, sweetened lightly with maple syrup or honey. It’s a simple, versatile recipe that offers wholesome nutrition and comforting autumn flavors, customizable for various dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
- 2 cups milk or milk alternative (such as almond or oat milk)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
Sweeteners
- 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped nuts or seeds (e.g., pecans, pumpkin seeds)
- Fresh fruit slices (e.g., apple, berries)
- Dried fruits (e.g., cranberries, raisins)
- Dollop of yogurt or nut butter
Instructions
- Gather and Measure Ingredients: Measure rolled oats, pumpkin puree, milk of choice, spices, and sweetener to have everything ready for cooking.
- Combine Oats and Milk: In a saucepan, bring the milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then stir in the rolled oats. Cooking over medium heat prevents burning and keeps the oats creamy.
- Add Pumpkin and Spices: When the oats begin to soften, mix in the pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices throughout the mixture.
- Sweeten to Taste: Gradually add maple syrup or honey, tasting as you go, until the desired sweetness is reached without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Cook Until Creamy: Let the oatmeal simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until the oats are tender and the pumpkin and spices have fully melded together.
- Serve Warm with Optional Toppings: Transfer the oatmeal to bowls and top with nuts, seeds, fresh or dried fruit, yogurt, or nut butter to add texture and flavor enhancements.
Notes
- Use rolled oats for the best texture and liquid absorption; avoid instant oats to prevent mushiness.
- Cook over low to medium heat to avoid scorching and maintain creaminess.
- Use freshly ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to intensify warm flavors.
- Choose 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added sugars and unwanted spices.
- Adjust sweetness after cooking to control sugar levels precisely.
- For vegan versions, use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Ensure oats are labeled gluten-free if you require a gluten-free diet.
- This oatmeal freezes well; store in single-serving containers for easy reheating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cup cooked)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg