Morning Glory Oatmeal

Total Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

• 3 cups water
• 1 cup coconut milk (or milk of choice)
• 1 cup steel-cut oats
• 1 cup grated carrots (2 large carrots)
• 2/3 cup golden raisins
• 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1-1/2 Tbl. grated orange zest (from 1-1/2 medium oranges)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1-2 Tbl. maple syrup (or honey, agave nectar, brown sugar)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions:

1. In saucepan, bring water and milk to boil. Stir in the oats, carrots, raisins, spices, and salt. Bring mixture back to a boil, then decrease the heat to low and partially cover the pot.
2. Cook the porridge, without stirring, until it begins to thicken and the oats are soft yet chewy. Check the oat’s texture by stirring them after 25 mins of cooking and checking if they need a little more time. 
3. Remove from heat and stir in the coconut flakes, orange zest, and vanilla. Add maple syrup to taste. Cover and let the oatmeal rest for 5 mins before serving. 
4. Toast the nut pieces in a pan over medium-low heat, tossing frequently, until the edges are golden and smell toasty. 
5. Serve the oatmeal with a sprinkling of nuts and a splash of milk or plain yogurt. 

NOTE: I have also made this in an Instant Pot. Put the same ingredients listed in step 1 into an Instant Pot instead. Close the lid and move the steam release valve to the sealing position. Set the cook time using the Pressure Cook/Manual function to 4 mins. at high pressure. It will take a few mins. for the pressure cooker to reach pressure, then it will begin to cook the 4 mins. When done, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release the pressure which will take about 15-20 more mins. Move valve to venting position to ensure all the pressure has been released prior to opening the lid. At this point, pick the above instructions back up on Step 3.