Say goodbye to boring oatmeal for breakfast, with this Middle Eastern twist on a classic oatmeal recipe! You will explore the vibrant flavors of cardamom, rose water, pistachios, and creamy tahini to create a breakfast experience that will leave you craving more.
Who wouldn’t love a warm bowl of delicious oatmeal, especially during the cold months? Even though we rarely get these here in Dubai, still oatmeal is one of my favorite breakfast dishes and this recipe is inspired by Middle Eastern flavors that just transports classic oatmeal to a whole new level.
Oatmeal recipe ingredients:
- Oats: I have used gluten-free rolled oats.
- Plant-based milk: any plant-based milk can be used, I have used almond milk in this recipe.
- Cardamom.
- Tahini
- Maple syrup: as a sweetener, it’s completely optional to use sweetener, and you can use any sweetener you prefer.
- Rose water.
- Toppings: are optional, for this recipe I have used fresh slices of bananas, chopped pistachios, edible rose petals, and a drizzle of tahini.
Ingredients tips & notes:
- There are different types of oats, and not all are created equally. All oat types originate from the Whole Oat Groats, which is the whole intact form, not processed, and not what is usually used to make oatmeal. The most common oat types used to make oatmeal are: steel-cut oats, which are minimally processed, and take longer to cook of all types. Next, rolled oats, the most commonly used type of oats, are less processed than the other types such as quick and instant oats. Those being the most “processed” and ” the least healthy” of all types of oats.
- Cardamom might not be a common ingredient in oatmeal recipes, but it is used in many Arabic and Middle Eastern dishes, specifically desserts. It has a strong and unique taste and it’s such an aromatic spice to cook with. It is a quite potent spice and “expensive”, therefore use only a small amount to flavor the oatmeal.
- Rose water is another classic Middle Eastern ingredient that is mostly used in desserts. It has a floral, fruity, and sweet flavor, and it’s very potent ingredients that can easily overpower other flavors so use it carefully – a little goes a long way.
- To further enhance the Middle Eastern “theme” in this oatmeal recipe, and take it to a whole new level of creaminess, you do not want to skip on tahini! Add it while the oats are still cooking, and allow it to just melt and blend with the oats and other ingredients. Alternatively, you can drizzle it on top of your cooked oatmeal.
How to make Oatmeal recipe:
- Start by heating a saucepan over medium heat, then add the oats, milk, and cardamom powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Continue stirring for 5 minutes, then add tahini. Stir the tahini into the oatmeal thoroughly, allowing all the flavors to blend.
- Next, it is time to add maple syrup or your sweetener of choice and turn the heat off.
- Lastly, Add rose water and stir, the oats are ready to be served.
How to serve oatmeal:
The best part of making oatmeal is the serving part aka ” presentation” like they say you eat with your eyes first, therefore presentation is a key when you serve oatmeal.
When it comes to serving oatmeal, the topping choices are endless, and in my opinion, it’s just up to each person’s taste. I highly recommend using the pistachios, the combination of cardamom, rose water, and pistachios transfers this oatmeal into a dessert for breakfast.
For a touch of freshness slice ripe bananas and scatter them across the oatmeal, add fresh edible flowers, which add a pop of visual appeal to your oatmeal bowl—lastly, a drizzle of creamy tahini for a finishing touch.
Leftovers:
If you end up with any leftovers, let the oatmeal cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container, and storing it in the fridge. It can last up to 2-3 days in the fridge.
It can be enjoyed straight out of the fridge as overnight oats, or add a splash of milk/water and heat on the stovetop for a couple of minutes.
Recommended Recipes:
For more plant-based breakfast ideas inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, try this eggs and potato recipe, or this zaatar manakish; both are gluten-free as well. Also, check out this date milkshake, and this rice pudding recipe, if you are looking for a dessert-like breakfast.
Another dessert-like breakfast recipe is this Blueberry Cheesecake Overnight oats by Health My Lifestyle, which should be on your list next!
If you are into savory breakfast, try this vegan omelet recipe by The Hidden Veggies. They are vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, and most importantly DELICIOUS!
If you make this recipe, I’d love a comment, and to rate this recipe. Please make sure to tag me in re-creation on Instagram @veganbilaraby. I love to see your take on my vegan recipes 💚
Oatmeal Recipe
Ingredients
- ¾ cup rolled oats gluten-free
- 1½ cup almond milk
- ⅛ tsp cardamom powder
- 1 tbsp tahini
- 3 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp rose water
Toppings
- chopped pistachios
- tahini
- banana
- edible rose petals
Instructions
- Into a saucepan add oats, cardamom powder, and milk. Put it on stovetop and turn the heat on medium-high heat, and stir.
- Continue stirring for 5 minutes , then add tahini and stir for another 4-5 minutes.
- Add maple syrup, if using, and turn the heat off.
- Add rose water and stir. Serve your oatmeal in individual bowls and add your toppings. Enjoy!
Louise says
I love this twist on the classic oatmeal. Tahini is such a great addition – yum!
Thank you🩷, Tahini makes everything tastes better😉
👍👍👍👍