Prepare the oats: Mix 2 cups of oat flakes with 1.5 cups of water in a bowl. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Soaking the oats makes them softer and easier to eat and digest.
Step 2: Get the pumpkin and apple ready.
Prepare the pumpkin: Peel and cut 250 grams of pumpkin into small pieces. This helps the food cook evenly and gives it a good texture in the end.
Prepare the apple. Cut one apple into small pieces. Select a type of sweet apple, like Fuji or Honeycrisp, to improve the taste of the dish.
Step 3: Prepare the pumpkin for cooking.
Prepare Pumpkin: In a small pot, warm 1 teaspoon of olive oil on low heat. Put the chopped pumpkin in the pan and cook with the lid on for 5-8 minutes until it becomes soft. Stir from time to time to avoid food sticking to the pan.
Put the diced apple in the pan after the pumpkin has become soft. Cook together for 3-5 more minutes until the apple becomes soft and mixes well with the pumpkin flavors.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Mix together the soaked oats, cooked pumpkin and apple mixture, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a big bowl. Mix until everything is well blended.
Include nuts and raisins: Mix in the chopped nuts and raisins if you are using them. These will make the dish more interesting and flavorful.
Step 5: Get ready to bake.
Heat up the oven: Turn on your oven and set it to 180°C (350°F).
Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly coat the baking dish with olive oil to avoid food sticking to it. This helps to easily remove the baked oatmeal once it is finished.
Step 6: Put in the oven.
Move the oatmeal mixture into the baking dish that has been prepared, spreading it evenly.
Include pumpkin seeds: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top to add crunchiness and nutrients.
Cook the dish in the oven that has been heated beforehand for 20 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the oatmeal is firm.
Step 7: Serve the dish.
Cool and Serve: After baking, let the oatmeal dish cool for a few minutes. Serve the dish warm. You can add coconut and more pumpkin seeds for extra decoration if you like.
Tips for Cooking
Personalization: You can modify this recipe by adding your preferred nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Pecans, almonds, and cranberries can also be a great option.
Sweetness Adjustment: Modify the level of sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sweetener. You can also use honey or maple syrup instead of raisins.
Pumpkin Puree: If you don't have much time, you can use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh pumpkin. Reduce the time for baking a little because the puree is already cooked.
Tips for storing items.
Refrigeration tip: Keep any extra food in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm up in the microwave or oven before serving.
Freezing: This oatmeal dish can be frozen successfully. Divide it into pieces, wrap them well in plastic wrap, or keep them in containers that can be frozen. You can heat it up straight from the freezer in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, for 8 servings)
Calories: About 180 calories
Protein: 4 grams
Fat content: 7 grams (mainly from nuts and olive oil).
Carbs: 26 grams
Fiber content: 4 grams
Sugars: 5 grams (sugars from fruits)