I won’t lie to you. I’ve never been the biggest fan of oats. I never really liked the texture. But then a few years ago I ate oats at a swanky hotel (only because it was part of the set breakfast menu) and I fell in love. It was creamy and rich and absolutely delicious. I mean, it’s kind of counter-productive to have healthy oats with a lot of cream and butter but yowza, it does make it absolutely scrumptious. 
Even though this does include a little butter, I like to cook the oats in a mixture of coconut milk and boiling water. You could of course use any milk you want (almond milk would also be good). To add more texture and flavour I added grated apple, dried cranberries and toasted walnuts. A pinch of ground cinnamon turned this into the apple pie oatmeal that I have made for breakfast almost every morning for the last few weeks. Even though this apple pie version is just wonderful, any fruit or nuts could be added. I think a few berries and a drizzle of honey would be a wonderful Summer alternative to this more autumnal recipe. What are your breakfast stand-bys? Those recipes that just make their way into your life and become regulars? 
Healthy Apple pie oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup hot water
- pinch of salt
- pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1 Granny Smith apple grated
- 1 tablespoon dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon toasted walnuts
- sweetener of your choice to taste (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Combine the oats, coconut milk, water salt and cinnamon in a small saucepan and bring to the boil.
- Allow to simmer for 5 minutes then add the apple, cranberries and walnuts.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat then cover and allow to steam for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, stir in the butter and sweetener (if using) and serve.
- (I topped mine with a few cubes of apple and a few cranberries and walnuts but this is optional.)
Nutrition
what about the water?
Whoops! Completely forgot to add that. You add it with the coconut milk when you cook the oats.
Hi Alida, I have been a follower for a number of years and I make many of your recipes regularly as they are family favourites. However I have to confess that I haven’t made any of your newer recipes for a long time since I find them too unhealthy too enjoy on a regular basis. I am super excited to try this recipe! Your photography is absolutely stunning as always. Wishing you the best. PS: I secretly hope that you would start featuring more Low GI healthy meals as seen in Jamie Oliver’s latest books but with your distinctive South African flair.
Hi Mariette.
Thanks so much for your comment. I completely understand and the food I’ve been posting a lot of aren’t things we eat often either but I suppose that’s why I like to post them because they’re kept for special occasions. But you can be assured that I definitely will be posting lighter meals as well as the more indulgent treats from now on.
I am looking forward to more healthy recipes!! 🙂 I have just made the oats and it is absolutely the best way I have ever had oats. Will be making this often! Just some more babbling from me about the healthy stuff…What I love about Jamie Oliver’s new style is that it is fast, it includes more vegetables than meat and relies on healthier cooking methods (love my griddle pan to bits!) and it exludes the regular use of butter and cream (which he used to use a lot more in the past). Thanks again for sharing all your wonderful recipes – you have an amazing talent! xx
Delicious! I like your recipes and photo…
Thanks so much Elisabetta.
LOVE oats! Have never tried making it with coconut or almond milk though so am definitely going to try that 🙂 Toppings that I like on mine include: butter, sunflower seeds, cranberries, banana, honey or cinnamon or a combination of all/some of the above. Another favourite – mix in a massive spoon of crunchy peanut butter. You will love it (if you like peanut butter that is). X
Oh my gosh! The peanut butter idea sounds faaaabulous!