have eaten oats for breakfast almost every day for as long as I can remember. I previously rejected the idea of overnight oats in favour of a warm comforting bowl of porridge, how stupid I was! Early starts meant my morning ritual oats became rushed and chewy as I lacked sufficient time to perfect my breakfast ritual. Once I started making overnight oats for busy mornings, I reached oat enlightenment!
Overnight oats create a creaminess almost unachievable with busy schedules and trust me, velvety oats can really transform those gloomy Monday mornings. Not only can you eat this on the go, you can also heat them up for instantaneous comfort.
Coco-Loco
This recipe utilises the whole coconut! Whilst travelling in Uvita Costa Rica, I was lucky enough to find a coconut (they can be found growing everywhere!) This could only mean one thing: coconut overnight oats.
The great thing about finding a coconut, other than being free, is that the coconut shell can be re-used afterwards (I’m sure you have seen the rising companies creating bowls and utensils out of this natural product.) For example, I used this one to store my jewellery.
Although raw coconut meat generally has less fibre and protein than dried, the reduced calorie and fat content makes it, for me, more desirable even without considering its natural abilities. I could only have imagined finding such a pure ingredient in a dream back in England, where coconuts are dried and processed for preservation, but in Costa Rica this is an everyday occurrence – Pura Vida! Thus I had to fully utilise this discovery!
Unlike other fruits which are high in carbs, coconuts provide mostly fat, but don’t stress! Although they are high in fat, coconuts contain MCT’s (medium-chain triglycerdes) which (studies have shown) can actually help you to lose body weight. The meat also contains many essential minerals such as manganese, copper and iron. Due to their ability to help to reduce body weight, coconuts may improve cholesterol thus reducing the risk of heart disease. However, the high calorie content means this beautiful ingredient, although tasty, should be monitored if you are attempting to lose weight. But, the benefits of this product make it, in my opinion, a necessity for a delicious and balanced vegan diet.
Coconut Overnight Oats with Banana and Cinnamon
Serves 1
Ingredients:
60-70g Oats
200ml Coconut milk
1 Ripe Banana
1 tsp Cinnamon (+ more for topping)
Optional: Coconut Flakes, Granola
Method:
– Mash a ripe banana and place in a container.
– Add the oats and coconut milk and mix well. The oats should be submerged within the coconut milk but not swimming i.e. the milk should just cover the amount of oats.
– Add 1tsp of cinnamon and mix well.
– Leave your oats in the fridge overnight, or until you are ready to use them.
– The next morning, enjoy your oats cold, or heat them up for 2 minutes in the microwave, or 3-4 minutes on the stove, until they are heated through.
– Top with coconut flakes, more cinnamon, banana slices and granola & enjoy!
Notes:
– If you have a busy week, you could make a really big batch of overnight oats increasing the ingredients for enough everyday. Make a simple plain oat mix, with any milk you have to hand, then each day top with different flavours for a quick & simple breakfast!
Kate Cooks Vegan 