Easy Oatmeal Recipe with Almonds & Cardamom – Indian Breakfast Idea

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Oatmeal Recipe with Almonds & Cardamom – Indian Breakfast Idea

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, mornings can be… hectic. But a nourishing breakfast is so important to start the day right. I’ve been making this oatmeal for years – it’s quick, comforting, and packed with flavour. It’s my go-to when I want something warm and satisfying, and it always feels a little bit special thanks to the cardamom and almonds. Trust me, this isn’t your average bowl of oats!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This oatmeal recipe is a hug in a bowl. It’s incredibly easy to make, taking just under 10 minutes from start to finish. The combination of creamy oats, fragrant cardamom, crunchy almonds, and a touch of honey is simply divine. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your morning routine. It’s a little taste of India to brighten your day!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious oatmeal:

• 1 cup skimmed milk (about 240ml)
• ¼ cup rolled oats (about 30g)
• ¼ tsp cardamom powder (about 0.5g)
• 1 tbsp almond powder (about 7g)
• 1 tbsp honey (about 15ml)
• 1 banana, chopped
• 5-6 almonds, chopped
• ¼ tsp cinnamon powder (about 0.5g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

• Cardamom: This spice is a staple in Indian cooking, especially for breakfast. It adds such a warm, aromatic flavour – it’s a game changer! My nani (grandmother) always used it in her sweet treats, and it instantly reminds me of her.
• Almonds: Almonds are incredibly nutritious and popular in Indian cuisine. They’re often used in sweets and snacks, and are believed to boost energy and brainpower. We love adding them to everything!
• Honey: I prefer honey as a natural sweetener, but you can use maple syrup or jaggery too. Look for raw, unfiltered honey for the most health benefits.
• Rolled Oats: These are my favourite for oatmeal because they have a lovely texture. You can also use quick-cooking oats if you’re really short on time, but the texture will be a bit softer. Steel-cut oats are another option, but they take much longer to cook.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s super simple, I promise.

1. Pour the skimmed milk into a saucepan. Add the rolled oats and cardamom powder.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 5 minutes, until the oats are tender and the mixture starts to thicken. Keep an eye on it – you don’t want it to stick to the bottom!
3. Once the oats are cooked, stir in the almond powder and remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. Add the honey and mix well until it’s all nicely combined.
5. Pour the oatmeal into a serving bowl. Top with the chopped banana and almonds, then sprinkle with cinnamon powder.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy! It’s best when it’s warm.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Don’t overcook the oats! Nobody likes mushy oatmeal.
• Adjust the sweetness: Add more or less honey to suit your taste.
• Toast the almonds: For extra flavour, lightly toast the chopped almonds in a dry pan before adding them to the oatmeal.
• A pinch of salt: Seriously, a tiny pinch of salt enhances all the flavours.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Use your favourite plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk work great!) and swap the honey for maple syrup.
• Gluten-Free: Make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the oatmeal while it’s cooking for a little extra warmth.
• Festival Adaptation: During Navratri or other fasting periods, you can substitute the oats with sabudana (sago) for a vrat-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

This oatmeal is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with:

• A side of fresh fruit
• A sprinkle of chia seeds or flax seeds
• A dollop of yogurt

Storage Instructions

While this oatmeal is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You might need to add a splash of milk when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

1. Can I make this oatmeal ahead of time?

You can! Prepare the oatmeal as directed, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little milk if needed.

2. What is the best type of milk to use for this recipe?

Skimmed milk is what I usually use, but feel free to experiment with other types of milk – almond, soy, oat, or even full-fat milk all work well.

3. Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

Absolutely! Maple syrup, jaggery, or even a little sugar will do the trick.

4. How can I adjust the consistency of the oatmeal?

If you prefer a thinner oatmeal, add more milk. For a thicker oatmeal, use less milk or cook it for a longer time.

5. What are the health benefits of adding cardamom to oatmeal?

Cardamom is known for its digestive properties and antioxidant benefits. It also adds a lovely flavour!

6. Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?

Definitely! Walnuts, pecans, or cashews would all be delicious.