Description
A delicious and nutritious Indian-inspired overnight oats recipe made with rolled oats, aromatic spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and optional saffron. This easy no-cook breakfast is prepared by soaking oats overnight in milk and yogurt, sweetened with honey or maple syrup, and garnished with fresh fruit, nuts, and mint leaves for a refreshing and wholesome start to your day.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut)
- ½ cup yogurt (optional – use dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
- A pinch of saffron (optional)
- ½ cup diced fruit (mango, banana, or apple)
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts)
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds (optional)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine rolled oats, ground cinnamon, cardamom, and chia seeds if using. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and seeds throughout the oats.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, yogurt (if using), and your choice of sweetener such as honey or maple syrup until smooth and well combined.
- Mix Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir thoroughly until the oats are fully coated and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Saffron: Sprinkle in a pinch of saffron for added color and flavor, mixing gently to distribute it evenly throughout the mixture.
- Fold in Fruits and Nuts: Fold in half of the diced fruit and chopped nuts, reserving the rest for topping later. This ensures some texture and flavor are incorporated inside the oats.
- Transfer and Refrigerate: Transfer the mixture into jars or containers, ensuring the oats are fully submerged in the liquid. Seal the containers tightly and refrigerate for at least 6 to 8 hours or preferably overnight to allow the oats to soak and soften.
- Serve: In the morning, give the oats a good stir, then top with the remaining diced fruit, chopped nuts, and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve chilled for a refreshing and nutritious breakfast.
Notes
- You can customize the fruits and nuts based on seasonality and personal preference.
- Plant-based milk and non-dairy yogurt make this recipe vegan and lactose-free if dairy ingredients are substituted.
- Saffron is optional but adds a luxurious aroma and beautiful color.
- Chia seeds add extra texture and fiber, but can be omitted if desired.
- For thicker oats, reduce the milk slightly; for thinner oats, add a splash more milk before serving.
- Sweetener quantity can be adjusted or omitted based on taste and dietary needs.
