It is winter semester, you are cold, feeling lazy and finding yourself out of breakfast inspiration. Have no fear! These three, easy, vegan recipes will spice up your mornings, and bring you some light to your bitter, cold day. I swear by these recipes because I feel like I am indulging in dessert, but they are completely healthy and satiating breakfasts to keep you moving until lunch time.
Even though these recipes are vegan, they can be altered to fit non-vegans if you are someone who prefers dairy products. There are always items you can swap out throughout the recipe for something you prefer more than what I like to use. However, if you’re trying to eat a little bit healthier, then I recommend trying out the vegan version to see if you like it, and if not, you can add your favourite swaps to the recipe.
These are all quick recipes, so you have no excuse if you have an early class. If you decide to take the faster route, just combine all the base ingredients into a microwave safe bowl, stir and place in the microwave for 2:35 minutes for the perfect texture of oatmeal. Also, these recipes are completely student budget friendly. So, without further ado, let us get into the recipes!
1. Carrot Cake Oatmeal
Base
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1 whole shredded carrot
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½ cup of quick oats
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1 cup of water or milk of choice
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1 Tsp of raisins
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½ tsp of ginger powder
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½ tsp of nutmeg
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1 tsp of cinnamon
• First, grate the carrot the night before, so it is ready in the morning to add to the pot.
• In the morning, set your stove top to high heat, and combine in a pot the quick oats, grated carrots, and water (or milk) together and allow the liquid to come to a boil.
• Once it is boiling, turn the heat to medium/low heat and add the spices and raisins. Stir all the ingredients together, and keep stirring until desired thickness.
• If the oatmeal is to your liking, turn the stove top off and add the warm oats into a bowl. Now you can add one of the following topping options below to complete the carrot cake oatmeal.
Toppings:
(you can pick one, combine, or ditch any of these options)
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A helpful serving of coconut yogurt (or any yogurt you like)
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1 Tsp of any nut butter, I prefer almond butter with this recipe
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Pumpkin and Flax Seeds
2. German Chocolate Cake Oatmeal
Base
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½ cup of quick oats
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1 cup of water or milk of choice
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1 Tsp of cacao powder
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½ cup of frozen or fresh raspberries (frozen is cheaper)
• Set your stove top to high heat, and combine in a pot the quick oats and water (or milk).
• Let the oats and the water come to boil, then turn the heat down and add the cacao powder. Stir everything together, and stir frequently until desired consistency.
• Once the oatmeal is to your liking, remove the pot from the stove and add in the frozen raspberries. Stir the warm oats with the cold berries, and after they are combined thoroughly, pour the oats into a bowl.
• Add your choice of toppings and enjoy the sensations of chocolatey goodness in contrast with the sweetness and of the berries. Excellent for those really poor weather days.
Toppings:
(you can pick one, combine, or ditch any of these options)
-
A helpful serving of coconut yogurt (or any yogurt you would like)
-
1 Tsp of any nut butter of your choice
3. Apple Pie Oatmeal
Out of all the recipes, this one is the easiest to make, and it never seems to disappoint! If you’re a picky eater this is the perfect option for you, because you are still getting your healthy carbs, fats and protein in this easy, simple recipe.
Base
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½ cup of quick oats
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1 cup of water or milk of choice
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1 tsp of cinnamon
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1 whole chopped apple (I prefer green for this recipe because of it’s sweet and sour)
• Before adding your oats and liquids together, chop your apple into cubes, and then set aside.
• Set your stove top to high heat, and combine in a pot the quick oats and water (or milk). Then, when the water comes to a boil, add in cinnamon and stir continuously. However, because the base is so simple for this recipe, you can just go straight to the microwave.
• Once the oats are done, remove and shut the stove off. Now, it is time for the apples.
• Grab a pan or use the same pot from the oatmeal, but rinse it first. Then, spray the pan with a light cooking spray of choice and throw in the apple chunks. Give the apples a little time to sizzle on the pan, and then sprinkle some cinnamon on to them. Let the cinnamon coat the apples and brown them a bit.
• When they are nice and golden brown, add them to your oatmeal with your topping of choice.
Toppings
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A helpful serving of coconut yogurt (or any yogurt you would like)
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1 Tsp of Hemp seeds
This recipe also works really well in the fall, but it is so warm and wholesome that you just have to have some in the winter, too!
I hope you enjoy these tasty breakfast options, and feel a bit happier going about your day!