Description
This High-Protein Savory Oatmeal is a nutritious twist on traditional oatmeal, combining the hearty flavors of red lentils, steel-cut oats, and warming spices like cumin, turmeric, and allspice. Enhanced with aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and optional green chilies, this dish is perfect for a wholesome breakfast or any comforting meal. The addition of kale adds a nutritious boost, making it a balanced, protein-packed savory porridge that caters to those seeking a flavorful, plant-forward option.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Drizzle of olive oil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 medium yellow onion (or red, or sweet onion, small dice)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 inch ginger (minced or grated)
- 1 to 2 green chili peppers (serrano or jalapeño, minced) (optional)
- 1 cup red lentils (split, dry, rinsed)
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (optional, or to taste)
- 5 stalks kale (leaves and stems, finely chopped) (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice (optional)
- Salt (or salt substitute to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the cumin seeds and onion: Heat the olive oil (if using) in a medium-large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Alternatively, you can toast the cumin seeds without oil. Then add the diced onion along with a dash of water or oil, cooking for approximately 3 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and green chili peppers if using. Cook these aromatics for about 1 minute more until they release their fragrance and soften slightly.
- Simmer red lentils and oats: Add the rinsed red lentils, steel-cut oats, and 4 cups of water to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the oats are cooked al dente. Stir occasionally, adding extra water or non-dairy milk as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Mix in spices and kale: Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the chopped kale, turmeric, black pepper, allspice if using, and salt to taste. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Enjoy the savory oatmeal warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
Notes
- You can omit the olive oil for a lower-fat version or if you prefer to toast spices dry.
- Adjust the amount of water or non-dairy milk to reach your preferred oatmeal consistency, whether thicker or more porridge-like.
- Green chili is optional; omit for a milder flavor.
- Kale can be substituted with other greens like spinach or Swiss chard based on availability.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of water or non-dairy milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion, Plant-Based
Keywords: High-protein oatmeal, savory oatmeal, steel-cut oats recipe, red lentils, vegan breakfast, plant-based protein, healthy oats, turmeric oats, spicy oatmeal
