Steel Cut Oats with Brûléed Bananas

When I’m not drinking my favorite green smoothie, steel cut oats are my go-to for a healthy breakfast. Steel cut oatmeal is high in fiber and protein so it’s a nutritious and substantial start to your day. I make a big batch of oats at the beginning of the week and heat them up in the microwave, with a splash of almond milk, throughout the week. Broiling the bananas for a few minutes to create a crunchy, caramelized, brûléed topping for your oats, makes this healthy weekday breakfast feel appropriate for an indulgent Sunday brunch.

Serves 6.

·      1 cup almond milk

·      3 cups water

·      1 cup Irish steel cut oats

·      2 semi-ripe bananas

·      1 tablespoon brown sugar

·      1 teaspoon salt

·       ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

·      1 tablespoon butter—melted

1.     Bring almond milk and water to a boil in a medium pot. Slowly add steel cut oats and stir until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Once the oats have begun to thicken reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 25 minutes.

2.     While the oats cook, peel the bananas. Slice the bananas diagonally to create ½ inch thick disks. Place the banana slices in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.

3.     Add the brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon to a small bowl. Stir until the sugar mixture is completely combined, then add the melted butter and mix to create a dry paste.

4.     Using a spoon or your fingers, sprinkle the sugar mixture over the tops of the banana slices. Broil the bananas on high for 3-5 minutes until the sugar mixture is bubbly and lightly browned.

5.     Add a ½ cup of the steel cut oats to a bowl and top with the brûléed bananas. Serve warm.