Citrus Chai Oat (Printable)

Aromatic oat porridge with warming chai spices and bright citrus zest—a cozy, energizing breakfast ready in 15 minutes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Oats Base

01 - 1 cup rolled oats
02 - 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
03 - 1/4 cup water
04 - Pinch of salt

→ Chai Spice Mix

05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
08 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Citrus Flavor

11 - Zest of 1 orange
12 - Zest of 1/2 lemon
13 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

→ Sweetener & Garnish

14 - 1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
15 - Orange segments, for serving
16 - Chopped nuts (pistachios, almonds), optional

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a medium saucepan, combine oats, milk, water, and salt.
02 - Add the chai spice mix and citrus zests. Stir well to incorporate.
03 - Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until creamy and oats are tender.
04 - Remove from heat and stir in orange juice and honey or maple syrup, adjusting sweetness to taste.
05 - Divide between bowls. Top with orange segments and chopped nuts if desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The surprising combination of bright citrus and warming spices creates this incredible sensory experience that wakes up your taste buds and your brain.
  • It takes just 15 minutes but delivers the kind of comfort that makes you feel like someone is giving you a warm hug from the inside out.
02 -
  • Adding all the citrus zest at the beginning rather than the end allows the essential oils to fully infuse throughout the cooking process, something I discovered after multiple flat-tasting attempts.
  • The porridge will continue to thicken as it cools, so if you prefer a looser consistency, have a little extra warm milk ready to stir in just before serving.
03 -
  • Toast the dry oats in the saucepan for about one minute before adding liquids for a subtle nutty flavor that adds incredible depth to the finished porridge.
  • For an indulgent weekend version, replace 1/4 cup of the milk with coconut cream and add a splash of vanilla extract just before serving.

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