Toasty Chai Oat Breakfast (Printable)

Warm, spiced oats combined with toasted nuts and chai flavors create a cozy breakfast bowl.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Oats & Grains

01 - 1 cup rolled oats
02 - 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)

→ Chai Spice Blend

03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
05 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
06 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
07 - 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - Pinch of ground black pepper

→ Sweeteners & Add-ins

09 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
10 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - Pinch of salt

→ Toppings

12 - 2 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans or almonds
13 - 2 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes (optional)
14 - 1 tablespoon golden raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Toast rolled oats in a medium saucepan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden.
02 - Add milk, chai spices, salt, and vanilla extract to the oats, stirring to mix thoroughly.
03 - Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook while stirring occasionally until creamy and thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
04 - Stir in maple syrup or honey and adjust sweetness according to preference.
05 - Divide the oat mixture between two bowls and garnish with toasted nuts, coconut flakes, and dried fruit as desired. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The oats taste nutty and complex, like you've been simmering them with intention rather than just dumping them in water.
  • It's warm spiced comfort in a bowl without feeling heavy, perfect for mornings when you want something that tastes indulgent but isn't.
  • Two servings means you can share or have leftovers that actually taste better the next day.
02 -
  • Toasting the oats before adding milk is non-negotiable—it's what separates this from plain oatmeal and makes the whole thing taste intentional.
  • Don't skip the pinch of black pepper; it acts like an invisible amplifier for all the warm spices and makes them taste brighter.
03 -
  • Buy whole cardamom pods and grind them yourself if you can—the flavor difference is worth the small effort and you'll use them in other things.
  • Toast your nuts in a dry pan right before eating so they're still warm and their oils are released; cold nuts from a bag are fine, but warm ones are transcendent.

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