Autumn breakfast idea: Oatmeal with warming fruit toppings

Oatmeal for breakfast is an excellent choice. However, if you're running out of ideas to diversify this dish, try the autumn oatmeal recipe with a warming ingredient. Nothing will wake you up in the morning quite like it (except maybe coffee). I could eat oats prepared this way every day, but admittedly, they only taste this delicious at this time of year.

You can prepare oatmeal with water or milk. The second option is definitely better for a filling breakfast — oatmeal with milk is even creamier. Just bring the liquid to a boil, add the oats (in a 1:2 ratio), and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes. It's worth stirring it occasionally to check that nothing is burning. The best pot for cooking oatmeal has a thick bottom and a non-stick coating.

Caramelized fruits are my trick for delicious, hot, yet not mushy oatmeal toppings. Apples and bananas are perfect. Heat a tablespoon of clarified butter in a pan. Add a chopped apple (you don't have to peel it) and cut the banana halves lengthwise (for easier arrangement in the pan, you can also chop them into pieces). After a moment, sprinkle them with brown sugar (amount to your liking, about 3-4 tablespoons if you prefer sweeter toppings) and cinnamon or a spice mix to taste. Flip to the other side and cook for a bit longer. Serve hot.

Oats are a treasure trove of nutrients. They contain large amounts of fiber, which is invaluable for the proper functioning of the digestive system. Thanks to the presence of beta-glucan, oatmeal helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels. Oats are also rich in B vitamins, vitamin E, and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Regular consumption of oatmeal contributes to better digestion, strengthens the immune system, and helps maintain a healthy weight.