Apple Cinnamon Stovetop Oats
Creamy oats simmered in milk with tender apple and toasted walnuts, finished with a warm dusting of cinnamon. A comforting single bowl of breakfast ready in under twenty minutes.
- Total
- 16 min
- Prep 4 · Cook 12
- Serves
- 1
- Difficulty
- Easy
You'll practice: Simmering · Dicing
- Sweet
- Quick
- Stovetop
Instructions
-
Peel the apple, cut it into 1 cm dice, discarding the core. Roughly chop the walnuts.
~4 min
Dicing Cut the apple into even 1 cm cubes so they cook at the same rate; a sharp knife and steady guide hand help.
-
Put the oats, 250 ml milk and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring so the oats do not stick.
~4 min
A gentle simmer prevents scorching and keeps the milk from boiling over, while stirring releases starch for creaminess.
Simmering Keep the heat low so small bubbles barely break the surface; stir often to prevent sticking and scorching.
-
Stir in the diced apple and 0.25 tsp of the cinnamon. Simmer gently for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the oats are soft and creamy and the apple is tender. If the pan looks dry before the oats are done, stir in 2 tbsp more milk.
~6 min
Simmering softens the oats and apple while stirring releases starch, creating a creamy texture.
Simmering Keep the heat low so small bubbles barely break the surface; stir often to prevent sticking and scorching.
-
While step 3 cooks
While the oats simmer, toast the chopped walnuts in a small dry frying pan over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, tossing, until fragrant and lightly golden.
~3 min
Dry toasting warms the walnuts' oils, deepening flavor and making them crisp without burning.
Toasting the walnuts in a dry pan for a couple of minutes wakes up their oils and gives a crisp contrast to the soft oats; pull them off the heat the moment they smell nutty, as they scorch quickly.
-
Spoon the oats into a bowl, scatter over the toasted walnuts and dust with the remaining 0.25 tsp cinnamon. Eat warm.
~2 min