It's official - I can't take a good oatmeal picture worth its salt!
Lets blame it on the cloudy sky, an off day but please don't let my lame photography skills stop you from making one of the most delicious oatmeal creations you'll ever end up putting in your mouth. Guaranteed.
Old fashioned oats are cooked in freshly squeezed orange juice with nutmeg & chopped dates. To which is added brown sugar, butter & mashed bananas. Yummm......
Also,what a great way to use bananas on their last legs - that's exactly what you need for this dish - ridiculously overripe bananas.
Added incentive? 15 minutes to fix and dairy free for all those lactose intolerant & 'dairy-avoiding' folks out there.
So with the weekend here, what's your excuse?
Prepare the ingredients:
Oranges - Freshly squeeze the oranges for their juice. Discard skins.
Last leg bananas - Mash with a fork
Dates - Chop the dates by cutting into 1/4" circles with kitchen shears
Bring Orange juice, water & nutmeg to boil in a sauce pan on medium heat.
Add the old fashioned oats & stir to combine. Do not use instant oatmeal (I am used cracked oats).
Add the chopped dates. Cook on the lowest setting for 6-8 minutes.
In goes the brown sugar & 1 tsp butter and stir. Continue cooking till the oats are soft.
Cook's Note - You'll have to taste them to check for doneness. Also if you want them soupier, add 2 tbs water at a time. In my family with the kids, we do like it soupier than most so I tend to add a wee bit more water as I cook them.
Once the oats are soft, add mashed banana & stir. Taste & adjust seasonings. Turn off heat and allow the oats to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Feel free to top with extra sliced banana's and butter.
The flavors with the citrus and dates are quite lovely. This is quite rich and filling and a great little treat on the weekend.
Recipe for
Cracked Oats cooked with Orange Juice, Dates & Bananas
Preparation time - 5 minutes
Cooking time - 6-8 minutes
Serves 2
Shopping list -
3/4 cup old fashioned oats (not instant - cracked oats are fine)
2 navel Oranges
2 over ripe banana (1 for cooking + 1 to serve with)
1 cup water
2 tbs brown sugar
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
3/4 cup dates (to get 1/2 cup chopped)
1 tsp butter
Preparation -
Oranges - Squeeze the orange juice
Dates - Chop the dates by cutting into 1/4" circles with kitchen shears
Banana - Mash with a fork & set aside
Cooking method -
Bring Orange juice, water & nutmeg to boil in a sauce pan on medium heat.
Add the old fashioned oats. Add the chopped dates. Cook on the lowest setting for 6-8 minutes.
While the oats are cooking, add brown sugar & 1 tsp butter and stir. Continue cooking till the oats are soft. Add extra 2 tbs water at a time if a soupier oatmeal is desired.
Once the oats are soft, add mashed banana & stir. Taste & adjust seasonings.
Turn off heat and allow the oats to rest for a few minutes.
Stir & Serve with sliced banana's and extra butter on top.
Enjoy!
