Lately, I’ve noticed that cold oatmeal seems to be quite the “hot” item on breakfast and brunch menus among the downtown set here in New York. Yes, it’s cold, but not in the traditional way you might think. In this “Hipster Raw Oatmeal”, oats are puréed with milk and spices and then left to soak overnight in the fridge. The next day they’re served up raw with any number of toppings from fresh diced apples, creamy bananas, toasty nuts, plump cranberries and chewy raisins. I went outside the box this week and thew some chocolate and mint on top of mine and had it for dessert one night.
If you’re looking to go “less-cooked” with your foods (as many hipsters here in New York are doing this month) feel-free to experiment with your own soaked oatmeal. While the taste at first is arguably a bit chewy, and possibly gritty to some, I found that soaked just long enough (in any number of yummy milks or juices) and served up with a variety of toppings you just might come to enjoy this funky little treat.
Raw Recipes: Hipster Oatmeal
I find that after sitting in the fridge, this recipe tastes even better on the second day. An extra day in the fridge seems to really soften up the oatmeal, and allows the fresh nutmeg to really pop. I’ve started to double this recipe just to ensure sufficient leftovers!
Serving Size: 2 (400 calories per serving)
Ingredients
1 cup steel cut oatmeal (or raw oat groats*)
1 1/4 cup almond milk
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly ground (if possible)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
few fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 piece good dark chocolate (>70% cocoa), shaved
* Although minimally-processed, steel-cut oats aren’t technically raw. So you might want to consider the raw oat groats if that is a focus for you.
Better-for-you ingredients
Learn more about the better-for-you ingredients in this recipe:
* Steel-cut oatmeal – Steel-cut oats (also known as Irish oats) are whole oat groats that have been cut into two or three pieces with steel blades. Oat groats and steel-cut oats are the least processed form of oatmeal popular today among health beauties. Health beauties appreciate this somewhat more chewy, lower-glycemic and gluten-free treat.
Directions
Combine uncooked steel cut oatmeal (or raw oat groats), almond milk, nutmeg and cinnamon into a good powerful blender. Purée until smooth and creamy. Cover and place in the refrigerator overnight.
The next morning, remove the creamy oats and divide them up between two bowls. Top each serving with a few toasted almonds, shaved chocolate and fresh mint. Add a splash more milk, if you like!
