Healthy Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 1 teaspoon vegan butter or neutral oil.
02 - 2 sweet apples, diced (e.g., honeycrisp).
03 - 2 teaspoons brown sugar or maple syrup.
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
05 - Pinch of kosher salt.
06 - 1 tablespoon water.
07 - 2 cups quick-cooking or rolled oats.
08 - 2+ tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup.
09 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional).
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional).
12 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional).
13 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
14 - 2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk.
15 - 2 cups water (or more milk for creamier oatmeal).
16 - 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for serving (optional).

Instructions:

01 - In a small saucepan, melt butter or oil over medium heat. Add diced apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and water. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until apples are tender and translucent. Remove half of the apples and set aside.
02 - Add the oats, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, milk, water, and sweetener to the pot with the remaining apples. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
03 - Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed. Serve topped with the reserved cinnamon apples and a sprinkle of chopped nuts, if desired.
04 - Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stovetop with extra milk or water.

Notes:

01 - This recipe is versatile and can be customized with different fruits or toppings like nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.