Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Oats: 2 cups (200 g) of oat flakes
Water: 1.5 cups (300 ml)
Pumpkin: 250 g, peeled and diced
Apple: 1 large, peeled and diced
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (optional)
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (optional)
Nuts: 2 tablespoons (40 g), chopped (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Raisins: 1 tablespoon (optional)
Olive Oil: 1 teaspoon, plus more for greasing the pan
Vegetable Oil: For frying
Pumpkin Seeds: For topping
Desiccated Coconut: For garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oats
Soak the Oats: In a bowl, combine 2 cups of oat flakes with 1.5 cups of water. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes. This soaking process helps to soften the oats, making them more palatable and easier to digest.
Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin and Apple
Prep the Pumpkin: Peel and dice 250 grams of pumpkin into small cubes. This allows for even cooking and a nice texture in the final dish.
Prep the Apple: Peel and dice 1 apple. Choose a sweet variety, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp, to enhance the overall flavor of the bake.
Step 3: Cook the Pumpkin
Cook Pumpkin: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over low heat. Add the diced pumpkin and cook, covered, for about 5-8 minutes until it softens. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Apple: After the pumpkin has softened, add the diced apple to the pan. Cook together for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the apple to soften and mingle with the pumpkin flavors.
Step 4: Mix the Ingredients
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked oats, the cooked pumpkin and apple mixture, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.
Add Nuts and Raisins: Fold in the chopped nuts and raisins if using. These will add texture and richness to the bake.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. This ensures an easy release of the baked oatmeal once it’s done.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Add Pumpkin Seeds: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds over the top for added crunch and nutrition.
Pumpkin and Apple Oatmeal Bake
