Cranberry Chai Oatmeal Bowl (Printable)

Warm oats infused with chai spices and cranberries for a cozy breakfast.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

→ Dairy & Liquids

02 - 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy alternative)
03 - 1/2 cup water

→ Fruits

04 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries

→ Sweeteners

05 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

→ Spices

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

→ Optional Toppings

11 - Greek yogurt
12 - Chopped walnuts
13 - Extra cranberries
14 - A dash of cinnamon

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine milk, water, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
02 - Add rolled oats and dried cranberries to the simmering liquid. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until oats are tender and creamy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
03 - Stir in maple syrup or honey, then adjust the sweetness to your preference.
04 - Divide the oatmeal into bowls and garnish with Greek yogurt, chopped walnuts, extra cranberries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes indulgent, like you've done something special for yourself, but it's ready in less time than it takes to make toast.
  • The cranberries and spices create a sophisticated flavor profile that keeps you excited about breakfast, not bored.
  • It's naturally comforting and warming—perfect for those mornings when you need a hug in a bowl.
02 -
  • The spices need to bloom in the liquid first—don't just dump them in with the oats or they'll taste bitter and raw. That brief simmer before adding the oats makes all the difference.
  • Dried cranberries are already sweet, so resist the urge to add too much maple syrup at the start. You can always taste and adjust, but you can't take sweetness away once it's in.
  • Stirring occasionally rather than constantly keeps the oatmeal creamy. Constant stirring can make it gummy and dense instead of light and luxurious.
03 -
  • Toast your dried cranberries briefly in a dry pan before adding them if you want them plumper and more flavorful—they'll absorb more of the spiced liquid this way.
  • A pinch of sea salt in the spiced milk at the beginning makes every other flavor pop, including the sweetness of the maple syrup.
  • Make a big batch of the spice blend and keep it in your pantry. Sprinkle it in your coffee, your smoothies, even your avocado toast for that chai warmth throughout your day.

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