Lemon Raspberry Oatmeal
A bright, healthy breakfast that combines creamy oats, fresh lemon, and juicy raspberries. Ready in just 7 minutes, this oatmeal is high in fiber, contains plant-based protein from chia seeds, and is lightly sweetened for a satisfying start to your day.
Equipment
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 teaspoon measuring spoon
- 1 tablespoon measuring spoon
- 1 cup measuring cup
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Bowl for serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice dairy or plant-based
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 packet stevia or preferred sweetener
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Juice of 1 small lemon
- 1/4 cup raspberries fresh or frozen
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Before turning on the stove, gather all your ingredients. Measure out 1 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based), 1/2 cup of old-fashioned oats, 1 packet of stevia, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds, juice of a small lemon, and 1/4 cup of raspberries. Having everything pre-measured ensures a smooth cooking process and prevents last-minute scrambling.
- Heat the Milk: Place a small saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the milk and allow it to warm slowly.Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to prevent a skin from forming or scorching at the bottom. Heating the milk first ensures that the oats cook evenly and absorb a creamy texture, which is the foundation of a delicious oatmeal bowl.
- Add the Oats and Sweetener: Once the milk is gently steaming (not boiling), add 1/2 cup of old-fashioned oats. Sprinkle in the stevia or your preferred sweetener. Stir thoroughly to combine the oats and sweetener with the milk. This step allows the oats to begin softening while the sweetener dissolves evenly, creating a subtle, balanced sweetness without overpowering the bright lemon flavor.
- Incorporate Chia Seeds and Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds and 1 teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest into the saucepan. Stir well to evenly distribute both. The chia seeds will add a gentle thickness and plant-based protein, while the lemon zest provides aromatic citrus notes that will infuse the oatmeal with refreshing flavor as it cooks.
- Bring to a Gentle Boil: Increase the heat slightly to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Watch carefully, as milk can foam and overflow quickly. Stir continuously to keep the oats submerged and prevent sticking. Once it reaches a soft boil, immediately reduce the heat to low. This controlled boiling step helps the oats absorb liquid evenly without becoming mushy.
- Simmer Until Creamy: Allow the oatmeal to simmer on low heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Notice how the oats thicken gradually and the mixture turns creamy. Use the wooden spoon to scrape the sides and bottom of the pan gently, ensuring nothing sticks. Simmering slowly enhances the flavors, melds the lemon zest, and softens the oats to a perfect, velvety texture.
- Add Fresh Lemon Juice: After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the juice of one small lemon. Mix thoroughly to blend the tangy, fresh lemon flavor evenly throughout the oatmeal. Adding the lemon juice at the end preserves its bright, vibrant taste, preventing it from becoming too bitter or cooked-down.
- Transfer to Serving Bowl: Carefully pour the hot, creamy oatmeal into a serving bowl. Take your time to scrape every bit from the saucepan; this ensures no nutrient-rich mixture is left behind.A deep, wide bowl works best for topping and stirring before eating.
- Top with Raspberries: Add 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries on top. Gently press them into the oatmeal if desired, allowing some berries to release their natural juices. The raspberries not only add a pop of color but also provide antioxidants, natural sweetness, and a slightly tart contrast to the creamy oats.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm. For extra flavor and texture, consider a sprinkle of additional chia seeds, a few lemon zest shavings, or a handful of nuts. Sit down, take a deep breath, and enjoy a refreshing, protein-packed breakfast that’s as healthy as it is comforting.
Notes
- Using old-fashioned oats creates a creamy texture while keeping the oatmeal slightly chewy.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest add vibrant citrus flavor; adjust the lemon amount for your taste preference.
- Chia seeds boost fiber and plant-based protein, making the breakfast more filling.
- Stevia or your preferred natural sweetener keeps this recipe low in sugar without compromising flavor.
- Both fresh and frozen raspberries work well; frozen berries can be gently thawed or stirred in directly.
- For a creamier texture, use whole milk or a plant-based milk like oat or almond.
- Cooking on low heat prevents the milk from scorching and ensures evenly cooked oats.