Oatmeal is such a versatile ingredient. There are so many ways to prepare it sweetened for an easy breakfast and it lends itself well to savory ingredients too. Savory Spinach Avocado Oatmeal is flavorful, cheesy and hearty. It would make a great brunch dish and would also be good for lunch and even dinner! This savory oatmeal recipe is perfect for any time of the day.
This simple savory oat recipe cooks in just minutes. Savory Spinach Avocado Oatmeal is healthy, vegetarian and gluten free.
If you are looking to add more oatmeal into your diet check out these sweet versions for a warm bowl of oatmeal. Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes, Banana Cocoa Oatmeal, Blueberry Baked Oatmeal, Cranberry Orange Oatmeal, Strawberry Banana Baked Oatmeal, Banana Cinnamon Oatmeal, Oatmeal Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Chip Cookies, and Morning Glory Overnight Oats and Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal. They are a great way to start your day.
SOME THINGS TO KNOW: FAQ’S
INGREDIENT TIPS:
- Oatmeal provides many health benefits. It can help to lower blood sugar levels, provides antioxidants, helps you feel full longer, maintain digestive health and enhance the immune system. Using old-fashioned rolled oats provides a chewy and satisfying texture. However, for a faster option, quick cooking oats can be used and will result in a softer texture. Steel-cut oats are another excellent choice for a nuttier flavor and a more substantial bite. They do require a longer cooking time. Read The Difference Between Steel Cut, Old Fashioned, Quick Cook and Instant Oats to learn more about the types of oats.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
- Medium Saucepan: Essential for cooking the oatmeal. A saucepan with a thick bottom is ideal as it provides even heat distribution, preventing the oats from sticking or burning.
- Knife: A sharp chef’s knife is necessary for chopping ingredients like green onions, baby spinach, and slicing the avocado.
- Cutting Board: For safely and cleanly chopping your ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring the oats, vegetable broth, olive oil, and spices to ensure the perfect flavor balance.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Useful for stirring the oatmeal as it cooks to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. A wooden spoon is gentle on your pans and helps in mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
- Grater: If using a block of Parmesan cheese, a grater will be needed to grate the cheese.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- This recipe can easily be made vegan by using a dairy free Parmesan Cheese.
- Substitute with any neutral-flavored oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil for the olive oil.
- If green onions are not available, you can use chives for a similar mild onion flavor.
- Chicken or beef broth can be used for a non-vegetarian version, in place of the vegetable broth adding a deeper flavor.
- Steel cut oats can be used for a chewier texture than the old fashioned oats but keep in mind they take longer to cook. Quick-cooking oats are an option for a shorter cooking time, though the texture will be softer.
- Kale, Swiss chard, or arugula can serve as alternatives to the baby spinach offering different nutritional profiles and tastes.
- Try substituting the fresh parsley with fresh basil, cilantro, or dill depending on the flavor direction you prefer. Each of the fresh herbs will give the oatmeal a distinct taste.
- For those aversed to avocado for the topping consider using a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess or a fried egg, poached egg or soft boiled eggs for protein and texture. You could also add some sliced cherry tomatoes or sauteed mushrooms.
HOW TO STORE SAVORY SPINACH AVOCADO OATMEAL:
- Savory Spinach Avocado Oatmeal will keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Allow the oatmeal to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation.Transfer the oatmeal to an airtight container. It is best to store the oatmeal and avocado separately if possible, as avocado tends to brown and change texture when exposed to air.
- You can freeze this in an airtight container for up to 3 months. If you are planning on freezing it, do not add the avocados.
HOW TO REHEAT SAVORY SPINACH AVOCADO OATMEAL:
- Once defrosted you can easily reheat the oatmeal in a microwave. Just add a small amount of liquid to the oatmeal in a microwave safe bowl. Cover the oatmeal and heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between heating until it is heated through. This will take under 2 minutes.
- You can also reheat the oatmeal on the stove top by placing it into a small saucepan with a small amount of liquid over medium low heat. Stir the oatmeal occasionally until it is heated through. This will take around 5 minutes.When it has been reheated and is ready to be served you can add them.
Heat the olive oil in a medium sized saucepan over medium low heat. Add the green onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
Add the oats, vegetable broth and pepper. Combine well. Raise the heat to the high setting to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches the boiling point, turn the heat down to the low setting so the oatmeal is at a gentle simmer.
Cook until the liquid has been totally absorbed, stirring occasionally.
Add the spinach and stir until it wilts. Add in the parmesan cheese and parsley. Stir to combine.
Divide the mixture between two serving bowls. Place half of the sliced avocado slices on the top of each bowl.
Savory Spinach Avocado Oatmeal
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Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ¼ cup green onions, sliced
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup baby spinach, stems removed and chopped
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 avocado, halved and sliced
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a medium sized saucepan over medium low heat.
Add the green onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
Add the oats, vegetable broth and pepper. Combine well.
Raise the heat to the high setting to bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches the boiling point, turn the heat down to the low setting so the oatmeal is at a gentle simmer.
Cook until the liquid has been totally absorbed, stirring occasionally. This will take about 5 minutes.
Add the cup spinach and stir until it wilts.
Add in the parmesan cheese and parsley. Stir to combine. Add a pinch of salt to taste.
Divide the mixture between two serving bowls. Place half of the sliced avocado slices on the top of each bowl.
Notes
The avocados should be sliced when you are ready to serve the oatmeal as the will start to brown once they are exposed to the air. You can squeeze some fresh lemon juice over them to slow the process.
