Blueberry flaxseed oatmeal is the perfect breakfast. Healthy, filling, and packed with flavor, this recipe is the right way to start your day.
Blueberry flaxseed oatmeal is the perfect way to start your day. It’s packed with protein, fiber and omega-3 acids to keep you feeling full and energized all morning long. Plus it tastes great!
This easy morning bowl can be made in just ten minutes, or you can make it a simple overnight oats recipe. Just combine oats, chia seeds, ground flaxseed meal, almond milk and blueberries in a bowl or jar overnight. In the morning top with fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas. You’ll be ready for anything after this delicious plant-based breakfast!
I’ve been trying to find new ways to make the most of my breakfasts, and had been struggling for inspiration. It’s not easy to find something that’s filling, tasty and not calorie-heavy at the same time.
While the fact that oats keep you fuller for far longer than some other breakfasts is nothing new, I’ve often found them quite stodgy and just a bit… unsatisfying. So I’ve been experimenting!
While mixing blueberries into porridge or oatmeal is anything but revolutionary, I’ve found the inclusion of one ingredient has really made a difference: Flaxseed.
Often associated with its oil form, flaxseed is available in ground form and that’s what I’m using in today’s recipe. It has a slightly grainy texture to it, but it has a nutty taste and aroma that goes perfectly with the oats and pecans.
And its metabolism and mood-boosting properties are the perfect way to get your system in gear for the day ahead!
What is flaxseed?
Flaxseed are seeds taken from the flax crop, a fiber crop from Southern Europe and Asia. Its seeds vary from golden yellow to reddish-brown. It is often used in its ground form for baking or added to smoothies. They have a nutty, earthy, but mild flavor.
Why is flaxseed good in oatmeal?
It is essential to make sure that flaxseed is ground because the seeds do not get digested. They simply pass through the system without doing anything whatsoever. For maximum nutritional benefits, it helps to have the flaxseed ground into a fine powder that you can easily incorporate into various recipes.
Flaxseed in oatmeal has numerous benefits, such as being high in omega three fats. It is also high in nutrients and also high in quality protein. Also, adding flaxseed in oatmeal helps you fill up quicker.
Blueberry flaxseed oatmeal health benefits
Some of the nutritional benefits that you can expect from a bowl of blueberry oatmeal include reduced risk of heart disease. Flaxseed is high in dietary fiber and also in omega-three fatty acids. This healthy fat is an excellent way to help reduce the hardening of your heart’s arteries. It can also help in your bid to lose weight as it helps keep you fuller for longer.
Blueberries, on the other hand, are excellent antioxidants. They also help to reduce the build-up of bad cholesterol.
Ingredients
Rolled oats
Rolled oats provide better texture than instant oats, and are lower in sugar.
Flaxseed
Use two tablespoons of ground flaxseed for this recipe. It will blend better with the rest of the ingredients, and also, it is more beneficial for you than using seeds. It also adds the bulkiness of the oatmeal.
It’s always better to go with ground flaxseed. It blends with oats better than whole flaxseed, and is easier for your digestive system to absorb its nutrients.
Almond milk
While the standard choice for most oatmeals is regular dairy milk, almond milk is an excellent plant-based alternative. Its natural nutty flavor means you might want to use more sweetener to balance it out, so there might be some trial-and-error with this recipe. Alternatively, you can try coconut milk for something lighter.
Maple syrup
Maple syrup is the world’s best natural sweetener. Vegan-friendly honey is a solid backup ingredient.
Nut butter
The nutty taste of nut butter complements the nutty taste of flaxseed in the oatmeal. This ingredient is optional. You can use almond butter or any other type of butter that has a nutty taste.
Cinnamon
The sweet-spicy taste of cinnamon will pair well with the flavors in this oatmeal. You can use one teaspoon. However, you shouldn’t use it if you will be making different flavor combinations.
Topping Ideas
- Fresh fruit – this is always a winner when it comes to oatmeal. You can slice bananas into a bowl of oatmeal.
- Raisins – add in raisins that are healthy and have a chewy texture. The sweetness bursts out when you chew down on it.
- Chocolate – you can add shaved chocolate that will melt when heat is introduced, and the chocolate oozes out. You can also use cooking chocolate if you want to keep your oatmeal healthy.
- Yogurt – mix in yogurt of your choice, which will determine the taste and also fat content. Greek yogurt is best if you’re looking for low-fat options.
Flaxseed and Blueberry Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1 cup almond milk
- ¾ cup water
- 1 pinch salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon optional
Topping
- ⅓ cup blueberries
- 2 tbsp pecans roughly chopped and toasted
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 banana sliced
Instructions
- Combine almond milk and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts to boil, reduce to medium-low heat.
- Stir in the oats, flaxseed, cinnamon (optional) and salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the oats start to firm.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover with a dish towel and let sit for 2 minutes.
- Stir the oatmeal a few times and serve. Top with blueberries, pecans, banana slices, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Notes
- You can replace the maple syrup with (vegan-friendly) honey
