Ingredients
- Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned): 1/2 cup (approx. 40g) – Do not use instant or steel-cut oats for this recipe, as the texture won’t be right.
- Plain Kefir (Unsweetened): 3/4 cup (approx. 180ml) – Full-fat or low-fat works, depending on your preference. Flavored kefir can be used, but adjust added sweeteners accordingly.
- Chia Seeds: 1 tablespoon (approx. 12g) – These help thicken the oats and add a boost of omega-3s and fiber.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: 1-2 teaspoons (or to taste) – Adjust based on the sweetness of your kefir and personal preference. Agave nectar or other liquid sweeteners work too.
- Vanilla Extract: 1/4 teaspoon – Adds a lovely warmth and depth of flavor.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a tiny pinch – Enhances all the other flavors.
- Optional additions for mixing in:
- Cinnamon or other spices: 1/4 teaspoon (nutmeg, cardamom, pumpkin spice blend)
- Nut Butter: 1 tablespoon (almond, peanut, cashew)
- Protein Powder: 1 scoop (if you want an extra protein boost)
- Cocoa Powder (unsweetened): 1 teaspoon (for a chocolatey version)
- Toppings (add just before serving):
- Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- Sliced banana
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
- Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, hemp hearts)
- Shredded coconut
- Granola
- A drizzle of extra maple syrup or honey
- A dollop of yogurt
Instructions
- Choose Your Container: Select a jar or container with a lid. A 16-ounce (approx. 500ml) mason jar is perfect for a single serving with room for toppings. Ensure it’s clean and dry.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In your chosen container, add the rolled oats, chia seeds, and pinch of salt. If you’re using any dry optional additions like cinnamon or cocoa powder, add them now. Give them a quick stir to distribute evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the kefir, maple syrup (or honey), and vanilla extract. If you’re adding nut butter or protein powder, now is the time to incorporate those as well.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir everything together very well. Ensure all the oats are moistened and submerged in the kefir mixture. Scrape down the sides of the jar if necessary. The chia seeds need to be well-distributed to work their thickening magic.
- Seal and Chill: Secure the lid on your container. Place the jar in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight (6-8 hours is ideal). This allows the oats and chia seeds to absorb the liquid, soften, and thicken, and for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: In the morning, give the oats a good stir. The mixture should be thick and creamy. If it’s too thick for your liking, you can stir in a splash more kefir or milk to reach your desired consistency. Add your favorite toppings (see “How to Serve” section for ideas) and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One Normal Portion
- Calories: 320-380