Enjoy this classic oatmeal with cinnamon, apples and chia seeds to up your fiber! Naturally sweetened with apples and apple sauce. No nuts or eggs, and dairy, and gluten free.
Why Cook Oatmeal on the Stove?
There is a time and a place for making a boring, tired bowl of microwave oatmeal. I get it, convenience, time effective, and easy.
But making oatmeal on the stovetop gives you better control over texture and flavor. You can adjust the consistency as you go, ensure the apples soften just right, and stir the chia seeds in evenly at the end. It also allows for the chia seeds to soak and swell gradually, creating a thick, pudding-like finish without becoming gluey or overcooked. Unlike microwave oatmeal, stovetop cooking brings out the natural sweetness of the apples as they simmer with the oats and cinnamon.
The Power of Chia Seeds in Oatmeal
Chia seeds aren’t just a health trend, they are little nutritional powerhouses! Just a tablespoon adds:
- Fiber to keep you full
- Omega-3s for heart health
- Protein for staying power
- A natural thickener that gives oatmeal a creamy, almost pudding-like texture
Adding chia seeds directly into the oatmeal while it cooks allows them to absorb liquid and help thicken the oats naturally, no need for dairy or thickeners.
Tips for Success
- Chop the apple small so it softens quickly while the oats cook. No need to peel.
- Stir frequently, especially near the end of cooking so the oats don’t stick to the bottom of the pot and chia seeds don’t clump.
- Make a double batch and store leftovers in the fridge – it reheats beautifully with a splash of extra milk or water.
How to Make the Best Healthy Apple and Chia Oatmeal
In a medium sized pot, add oats, fresh apple, cinnamon, ground ginger, sea salt, apple sauce and water. Turn on heat to medium-low, stirring frequently and cook until oats are soft and apples begin to soften/get tender.
Turn heat down to very low. Stir in the chia seeds and allow to cool and thicken the oatmeal mixture.
Lastly, stir in the vanilla extract. Serve warm, topping with pure maple syrup or extra cinnamon.
Healthy Apple and Chia Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup rolled oats gluten free
- 2 cups fresh apple unpeeled, diced into small cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 2 cups water
- 1-2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium sized pot, add oats, fresh apple, cinnamon, ground ginger, sea salt, apple sauce and water. Turn on heat to medium-low, stirring frequently and cook until oats are soft and apples begin to soften/get tender.
- Turn heat down to low. Stir in the chia seeds and allow to thicken the oatmeal mixture.
- Lastly stir in the vanilla extract. Serve warm.