Invite in fall morning Hygge vibes with this recipe. Cozy up on the couch next to a lit wood burning stove, furry friend, or loved one. And, this grounding, plant-based and Ayurvedically-inspired breakfast. It’s delightfully spiced, healthy, and warm.

As a chef and mixologist, with over fifteen years combined experience, I am most inspired by nature. In turn, sparking the creativity behind the dishes I create. And, after studying the fundamentals of Ayurveda through Banyan Botanicals LAI program, the intentional ingredients I choose for each recipe. See more below…

Intentional ingredients. Pumpkin, supporting morning embodiedment, grounding. Ginger, for digestion and kindling agni. Medjool date for natural sweetness and flax milk for fiber, both for easeful elimination.

In Ayurveda, pumpkin is mostly made up of the Earth element and supports grounding. For fall, a light and ethereal, predominantly vata season and time of year. It’s comforting, grounding, and nurturing.

Recipe

Makes 1, 8oz serving, with all ingredients.

Oats to water ratio 1:2, for more than one serving.

Organic ingredients when possible.

Grounding Pumpkin Oatmeal

• 1/3 C old-fashioned oats or GF old-fashioned oats

• 2/3 C water

• 2 TBS fresh pumpkin / canned pumpkin

• small pinch of salt

• 1 tsp chia seeds (optional)

• 1/8 tsp ground cinnamon

• dash of ground ginger

• 1 medjool date, pitted and chopped (optional)

• 1-2 oz alternative milk (I recommend flax milk for its somewhat neutral taste and fiber.)

• 1.5 tsp - 1 tbs, maple syrup (optional)

• 3-4 walnuts, chopped

• cacao nibs (optional)

Directions

1. Optional- add oats, chia seeds (if you choose), and 2/3 C water to a small pot. Soak for 30 minutes, before heating, for easier digestion. Then, continue directions and add remaining ingredients in step 2.

2. Without soaking- simply add oats, water, pumpkin, cinnamon and ginger, salt, chia seeds and medjool date (if you choose) to a small pot. Stir once. Cook over medium-high heat until boiling. Then, continue cooking, 5-10 minutes depending on quantity, until oats are soft and water has been absorbed.

3. If enjoying walnuts, gently chop them into smaller pieces.

4. Spoon oatmeal into a bowl/(s) and top with cacao nibs, maple syrup and walnuts (if you choose), alternative milk, and enJOY!

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