I love the flavour of coffee, and have ever since I was little. However, I have also always known I didn’t need the caffeine, so could only sneak little sips from my mother’s cup before she started drinking it. Now, though, I’m armed with a pouch of decaf coffee granules, ready to conjure up the some crazy coffee recipes.
If you do take caffeine for a morning hit, by all means use regular coffee powder. If you’re a brewer, replace some of the milk with some cooled espresso! I don’t mind the instant stuff, but I know many people find it revolting. So adjust this recipe as you prefer, and get your coffee and breakfast in one!
I love the way the spices meld with the smoky coffee flavour, and how the oats become incredibly soft. Soaking also makes them easier to digest, and means you can eat them without cooking and the inevitable porridge overflow. Don’t you just hate cleaning up exploded oats from your microwave? Not a good way to start the day. With soaked oats, you just mix, refrigerate, and eat! All too easy and delicious – which is why I love them.
Sometimes I use quick oats, which give a smoother, more pudding-like texture. this time I used (my preference) wholegrain oats, which are packed with carbohydrates and fibre to keep you full (psyllium helps here, too). If you use Greek yoghurt and dairy milk, like I did, you also get some protein and calcium. I topped mine with yoghurt, cinnamon, seeds, vanilla, and nuts – but even just a splash of milk is great!
This recipe can be gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, egg-free, and vegan.
Preparation time: 5 minutes (plus refrigeration)
Serves 1
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
– 2/3 cup milk of choice
– 2 heaping Tablespoons Greek yoghurt, or more milk
– 1/2-1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– pinch each of ground ginger and nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence or pinch ground vanilla bean
– 1 teaspoon rice malt syrup, to taste (I used less)
– heaped 1/2 teaspoon psyllium husks
– yoghurt, cinnamon, milk, nuts, etc. (to top)
Method:
1. In your serving bowl, mix together all ingredients except toppings. Place, covered in the refrigerator, and chill overnight.
2. The next morning, top as desired, and enjoy! 🙂
