Warm Spiced Pumpkin Oatmeal (Printer-Friendly Version)

Cozy spiced pumpkin oatmeal with cinnamon and maple syrup, perfect for a warm morning start.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup old-fashioned oats

→ Liquids

02 - 2 cups milk or non-dairy alternative (almond or soy milk)

→ Produce

03 - 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

→ Spices

04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
07 - 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
08 - Pinch of salt

→ Sweeteners & Flavorings

09 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Toppings

11 - Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
12 - Dried cranberries
13 - Pumpkin seeds
14 - Dollop of Greek yogurt

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a sturdy medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of old-fashioned oats with 2 cups of milk or chosen non-dairy alternative. Place over medium heat and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Heat until the mixture reaches a gentle boil, indicating the oats are beginning to hydrate.
02 - Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves, and a pinch of salt. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes until the oatmeal thickens and flavors meld.
03 - Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue to cook for 1 to 2 minutes until oatmeal reaches desired consistency and flavors fully combine. Adjust sweetness if necessary.
04 - Remove saucepan from heat and let oatmeal rest for 1 to 2 minutes to absorb remaining liquid and allow flavors to settle, enhancing creaminess.
05 - Transfer the warm oatmeal into bowls and customize with optional toppings such as chopped nuts, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for texture and added flavor.
06 - Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the full aromatic profile and comforting texture.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning. For added fiber and thickness, stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed in the last minutes of cooking.
02 - Enhance spice complexity by adding a pinch of black pepper or cardamom, complementary to pumpkin flavors.
03 - To store, cool oatmeal completely before refrigerating in airtight containers for up to three days or freeze for up to one month. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or water to restore texture.