Golden Milk Oats
The Golden Spice
Lately, I’ve been reading Rosalee De La Foret’s masterpiece, The Alchemy of Herbs, a beautiful book, illustrating the health benefits of the spices and herbs we cook with.
As many of you know, turmeric, has become a favorite of mine, especially for it’s widely known healing properties.
This golden herb is crucial to our health, but it’s pungent flavor and chalky consistency, tends to turn people off. Turmeric is an incredible spice that modulates inflammation, assisting in and nurturing the body’s healing abilities, for several ailments and chronic diseases including digestive health, liver health, heart health, wounds, ulcers, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, Type 2 diabetes, pain and inflammation, cancer, memory loss and Alzheimers.
A few of the most traditional ways we see this herb used, is in Indian cuisine - savory curry dishes and Masala. But lately, it’s been pretty trendy and in the know, to grab a cup of golden milk at your local coffee shop.
Inspired by this love of golden milk, I decided to come up with a golden milk oats dish. Because turmeric is such a potent spice, I have essentially created two recipes for this dish. For a more pungent and aromatic dish, follow the recipe using almond milk. For a sweeter, more subtle flavored dish, follow the recipe using coconut water. I welcome you to play and create your own combinations, especially when working with a spice as strong as turmeric. Share a photo of your creation, along with the hashtag #ABitofThyme!
Recipe
When I first wrote this recipe, I went all out, using 1 teaspoon of turmeric to 1/3 cup of oats. But after a few taste tests, I realized, that even through the practice of cooking, turmeric has an incredibly strong aroma, and an even stronger flavor. So, I decided to take down the turmeric a notch. Don’t get me wrong, this recipe is still pungent and strong, but a little less overwhelming than I originally created it to be.
As you taste and test this recipe, molding it to your preferences and needs, I encourage you to play and discover what you love. If you have a flavor palette that prefers more subtle flavors, start slow, with 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric. But if your flavor palette enjoys strong, intense flavors, start with 1/2 teaspoon, and give it a go! This recipe is tailored to my love of strong flavors, but it can be adjusted to your own, individual liking.
Pungent & Strong - Golden Milk Oats
Serves One
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
What you’ll need:
- 1/3c Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Organic Steel Cut Oats
- 1c homemade vanilla almond milk
- 1/2tsp organic ground turmeric
- 1/4tsp organic ground cinnamon
- 1/4tsp organic ground cardamom
- pinch of organic ground ginger
- 1/8tsp organic vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 3 drops of stevia
- add a pinch of organic ground black pepper for maximum absorption
- Put a small pot on the lowest heat possible. Stir in almond milk, vanilla, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, stevia, and pinch of salt. Once the milk is smooth and the dry ingredients are blended in evenly, pour in oats. Place the lid on the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Once the oats are creamy, smooth, yet textured, pour into a bowl and garnish with toppings of your choice - My favorite way to garnish is with strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, coconut flakes, almond butter & of course, my salty sweet roasted pecans
Sweet & Mellow - Golden Water Oats
Serves One
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
What you’ll need:
- 1/3c Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Organic Steel Cut Oats
- 1c fresh coconut water
- 1/4tsp organic ground turmeric
- 1/4tsp organic ground cinnamon
- 1/8tsp of organic ground ginger
- 1/4tsp organic vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- add a pinch of organic ground black pepper, for maximum absorption
- Put a small pot on the lowest heat possible. Stir in coconut water, vanilla, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and pinch of salt. Once the milk is smooth and the dry ingredients are blended in evenly, pour in oats. Place the lid on the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Once the oats are creamy, smooth, yet textured, pour into a bowl and garnish with toppings of your choice.
PS - Another great way to cut the pungent tones in the flavors of turmeric, is to add a few slices of banana! The sweetness compliments the bitter flavor of the turmeric.