This plant-based ginger vanilla oatmeal is a hearty breakfast that is filled with nutrients. You can even add your favorite nutrient-rich toppings to increase nutrition even more. Nut-based or your favorite plant-based milk makes this oatmeal creamy while keeping the recipe plant-based and vegan-friendly.
Two of my favorite wintertime spices are used: ginger, and vanilla. They are usually hanging around the kitchen due to all of the holiday cooking, so they make their way into a lot of other meals as a result. I was particularly happy with this combination in my (near daily) oatmeal this morning, and had to share!
Creamy Ginger Vanilla Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup oatmeal such as steel cut oats
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk
- 3 Tbsp peanut flour
- 1 Tbsp Bee Free Honee
- 1 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla paste
Instructions
- Heat water over stove, adding oats when it comes to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and cook until thick and easy to stir (length will depend on type of oats you use – refer to packaging.)
- When almost ready, stir in peanut flour, sweetener, ginger, and vanilla.
- Transfer to a bowl, and swirl in coconut milk.
- Top with your favorite seeds or berries. Sunflower seeds were used in this photograph.
Notes
Health benefits of oatmeal
Oatmeal comes in a few different varieties that affect how long it takes to cook, but it results in an incredibly nutritious and filling breakfast. It is a good source of healthy whole-grain carbs, (beta-glucan) fiber, magnesium, and phosphorous.
For nutritional analysis of regular oatmeal, check out this page on Calorie Count.
What about heart disease?
Many people eat oats to try to mitigate heart problems or cholesterol. So does it reverse heart disease? Refer to this excellent video by Dr. Greger for more information on the science behind oatmeal and heart health.
Gluten free oatmeal
If you require a gluten-free meal, check the label for oatmeal that is certified gluten-free. While oats don’t have gluten, they can be tainted during processing so you should check for the appropriate product for you in the grocery store..
About peanut flour / powdered peanut butter
Peanut flour is also often called powdered peanut butter. It’s important to check the ingredients for a product that does not contain sugar or any other ingredient other than organic roasted peanuts, so you can use your own preferred sweetener.
Peanut flour is finely ground and has a nutty flavor just like peanuts. You can use it in your baking, in sauces (great as a thickener), and of course, you can also substitute it for peanut butter. Some of the benefits for special diets include: high protein, low carb, gluten-free. It also is rich in fiber.
Peanut flour retains nutrient density as well, and a good source for niacin, folate, magnesium, and potassium.
You can find one of several powdered peanut butter products (that do not contain added sweeteners) in the links below.
About Bee Free Honee or apple-based vegan honey products
This is a vegan, plant-based honey product that is made from certified organic apples. It’s bottled in a BPA free plastic squeeze bottle, and you can use it in your recipes wherever you would use honey. It tastes great mixed into oatmeal or drizzled on top. You can find the plant-based product here.
Update December 2018:
It’s also possible to make your own. If you have an apple tree or source of inexpensive or “free” apples, you can reduce them down into a similar product that tastes great on your own. Economical and you know what is going into it!
