It's that time again—as soon as the leaves start to change color and the air turns crisp, it's time to break out the cozy sweaters, scarves, and of course, all things pumpkin spice.
While the iconic pumpkin spice latte might be the first thing that comes to mind, there are plenty of other delicious ways to enjoy this quintessential fall flavor. Our current recommendation? A hearty and nutritious breakfast of pumpkin chai spiced overnight oats.
Why Overnight Oats?
Overnight oats are a lifesaver for those busy mornings when you don't have time to cook an elaborate breakfast. They're also packed with fiber and energizing nutrition to power your day.
This recipe is simple to prepare the night before, and by morning, you'll have a soul-satisfying meal waiting for you.
In Ayurveda, oats are seen to have a sweet flavor, making them excellent for balancing pitta and vata dosha. While overnight oats are generally best for pitta because of their cool nature, this recipe offers the option to warm your oats in the morning to make them more balancing for vata and kapha.
In addition, the infusion of grounding pumpkin, Chai Spiced Ghee, and warming spices helps to ignite digestion and balance both vata and kapha. The final result is a tridoshic treat that comforts the soul and highlights the flavors of fall.
The Recipe
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon flax seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ginger powder
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon clove (optional)
- 2 cups milk of your choice (dairy or plant-based)
- 3 tablespoons pumpkin purée
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- A pinch of mineral salt
- 1 tablespoon Chai Spiced Ghee
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Optional Toppings:
- 1 apple, diced and stewed*
- Drizzle of maple syrup
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
*While Ayurveda generally recommends eating fruit alone, it also encourages us to listen to our own bodies. We find cooked apples to be fairly easy on the digestive system, but feel free to skip this topping if it doesn't feel right for you!
Directions:
In a bowl, combine the oats, chia seed, flax meal, vanilla, spices, maple syrup, milk, pumpkin, and a pinch of salt. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a mason jar or airtight container with a lid. Seal it tightly and refrigerate it overnight or for at least 4 hours.
In the morning, melt the ghee in a small saucepan and add the nuts. Roast for about a minute, then add your overnight oat mixture. Give everything a good stir and heat until warm. If the oats seem too thick, you can add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Transfer oats to a bowl and enjoy! If desired, you can top with stewed apples, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra burst of fall flavor.
Customize for Your Dosha:
The beauty of overnight oats is that you can customize them to suit your taste—and your dosha!
- For pitta: If your pitta is flaring and you're feeling the heat, add the nuts to your mason jar at night with the other ingredients. In the morning, melt the ghee and drizzle it over your oat mixture without cooking the oats.
- For vata: Be sure to warm your oats in the morning and add a bit more ghee for extra nourishment.
- For kapha: Warm your oats, go easy on the ghee, and add extra cinnamon to activate your digestive fire.
