Spiced Apple Oatmeal with Tahini & Honey

I’ll start with my usual disclosure for the vegan police: yep, honey. As I always say, I’m “one of those vegans”–go ahead and berate me in the comments. I’ve received more hate from YouTube trolls and sixth graders misbehaving in the hallway than you can imagine. I can most certainly handle your lambasting. I briefly discuss my views on honey on my Plant Proud! page.

Alright, good. We’re past that. Moving on.

Apple Oatmeal with Tahini and Honey

So my first attempt at tahini was not the groundbreaking experience I had hoped for. As it turns out, tahini is not peanut butter. It is not rich like peanut butter. It is not warm and cozy like peanut butter. It is neither sweet nor salty like peanut butter. In fact, it’s pretty darn bitter. It’s kind of like creamy sesame oil with a bitter aftertaste.

(I’ve totally convinced you to try it, right?)

Apple Oatmeal with Tahini and Honey - Sub agave or maple syrup to make it vegan! Apple Oatmeal with Tahini and Honey #oatmealartist

But here’s the thing: tons of people using the #oatmealartist tag on Instagram are topping their oatmeal with tahini! Thus, I must be missing something. Just like I conquered my hatred of coconut, maybe tahini will soon be a beloved ingredient in my fridge as well.

Apple Oatmeal with Tahini, Honey, and Pecans

After my previous attempt, I decided to “doctor up” my tahini to help me adjust. Since this recipe already added honey, I didn’t sweeten it, but I otherwise would have added a drop of maple syrup. Instead, I added a drop of vanilla extract and a dash of cinnamon. Game-changer. Then, when combined with the honey in the final product (which, by the way, came from Italy as a present from my boyfriend <3), it created a pleasant flavor profile.

Apple Oatmeal with Tahini and Honey - Honey Apple Oatmeal with Tahini and Honey by the Oatmeal Artist - Sub maple or agave for vegan!

I’m always indecisive about how to include apples in my oatmeal. This time, I decided to go with half-grated, half-diced. It might be my new go-to (as much as I hate the process of grating things–bleh). Tip: if you have a small appetite like me, you can cut your apple in thirds. Grate a third, dice a third, and store the remaining third in the fridge for a salad later.

Apple Oatmeal with Tahini and Honey #oatmealartist Sub maple or agave for vegan!

Finally . . . this is awkward, but I could use your help. If you feel inclined, I really need help financing my grad school. Here’s how you can help me…

Random Recommendations:

Spiced Apple Oatmeal with Tahini & Honey

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Yield: serves 1

What you'll need:

  • 1 medium apple (I used Fuji)
  • 3/4 cup milk of choice
  • 1/4 cup quick cook steel-cut oats
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • Optional: pinch of ginger, allspice, and/or nutmeg
  • pinch of salt
  • tahini
  • honey

How to make it:

  1. Prepare apple first. Cut in half. Finely dice one half and grate the other half.
  2. Add milk (I use 1/2 c soy milk and 1/4 c water) to a saucepan over medium heat and add diced apples. Bring it to a low boil and let the apples cook for a minute or two, and then add oats.
  3. Reduce heat to medium low (it should be at a simmer).
  4. Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add grated apple, vanilla extract, cinnamon, any other spices you want to incorporate, and salt. Stir.
  5. When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Drizzle with tahini and honey, and add any other additional toppings (I used pecans. Raisins would also be a nice touch). I think this would also taste great with a heavy pinch of coarse salt.

Just an FYI:

Feel free to adjust the amount of apple you use based on your appetite. I only used 2/3 of an apple.
If you are new to tahini and find it bitter, doctor it up with a drop of vanilla extract and/or some cinnamon.
Vegans who (rightfully) skip honey can use agave or maple syrup instead.
No tahini? Sub in another nut butter.

https://www.theoatmealartist.com/spiced-apple-oatmeal-with-tahini-honey/

Apple Oatmeal with Tahini and Honey by The Oatmeal Artist

About Lauren Smith

Lauren is a herbivore, Slytherin, and connoisseur of oats. You can follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.

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