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When you imagine a nice bowl of hot oatmeal, your mind probably drifts towards apple cinnamon, berries, or maple or banana flavors. We’ve so often been served sweet oatmeal (sometimes exclusively) that it can be a bit difficult to think about oatmeal as a savory dish. But, as a convert I’m here to tell you that it is incredibly delicious and hearty.
In describing this dish to friends and family I liken it to grits topped with cheese or shrimp or to polenta topped with a tomato sauce. These combinations aren’t considered strange, but oatmeal has a reputation for being sugary that’s hard (nut not impossible) the shake off.
For this recipe you’ll be making a pizza style sauce from scratch and then cooking the oatmeal in it. When cooked this way the oatmeal fully takes on that tomato-and-herb flavor that embodies so much of Italian cuisine.
To enhance the texture both quick oats and old fashioned oats are used here. And to get the most pizza-like flavor don’t skimp on the mozzarella cheese or basil.
What I love about this recipe is that suddenly oatmeal sounds really good for lunch or dinner- not just for breakfast.
And, don’t be afraid experiment. Some mini pepperonis on top would be ideal or what about throwing on some leftover meatballs or pesto sauce?
Even skeptics are sure to be bowled over by this simple, yet hearty, recipe. Now that I’ve been converted this pizza oatmeal will be in regular rotation until further notice!
Savory Pizza Oatmeal
Yield(s): Serves 6
15m prep time
20m cook time
195 calories
Allergens: Milk
Diet: Vegetarian
you're making mealtime meaningful.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup quick cooking oats
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/8 teaspoon red chili flakes (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped basil
Preparation
- In a medium stock pot heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add oats and allow to toast in pan for 3 minutes.
- Add in tomatoes, chili flakes, black pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, sugar, and water. Simmer for 12-14 minutes or until oatmeal is cooked, stirring often.
- Remove from heat and allow to thicken for 5 minutes before serving. Divide oatmeal into individual bowls and top with mozzarella, parmesan, and basil.
Recipe adapted from Delish .