Description
This Caramelized Pear Oatmeal Bowl is a warm, nutritious breakfast that combines tender, caramelized pear slices with quick-cook oats for a comforting and flavorful start to your day. The dish is lightly sweetened with brown sugar and cinnamon, with an optional crunch from chopped walnuts, making it both satisfying and easy to prepare in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramelized Pear
- 1 pear, ripe yet firm
- 1 tablespoon butter (or vegan butter substitute)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Oatmeal
- 1 cup quick-cook oats
- 2 cups water (or as per package directions)
- Additional brown sugar, to taste
- Additional ground cinnamon, to taste
Toppings (Optional)
- Handful of chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Caramelize the Pears: Rinse and slice the pear into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Melt Butter and Cook Pears: Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the pear slices. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pears become tender but still hold their shape.
- Add Brown Sugar: Sprinkle the brown sugar over the pears, stirring gently to coat all slices. Cook for another minute until the sugar melts and forms a caramel-like sauce around the fruit.
- Season with Cinnamon: Add in the ground cinnamon, stir to combine, then remove the pan from heat to prevent burning and maintain the delicate flavors.
- Prepare the Oatmeal: In a separate pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the quick-cook oats, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, following package directions for desired texture.
- Sweeten the Oatmeal: Stir in additional brown sugar and cinnamon to taste, enhancing the natural sweetness of the oats.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the prepared oatmeal into serving bowls.
- Top with Caramelized Pears: Spoon the caramelized pear slices over the oatmeal, drizzling any remaining caramel sauce from the pan on top for extra flavor.
- Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle with chopped walnuts if desired, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor contrast.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the oatmeal warm for the best texture and taste experience.
Notes
- The pear should be firm yet ripe to hold its shape during caramelization without becoming mushy.
- Use vegan butter to make this recipe plant-based.
- Adjust brown sugar amounts according to your preference for sweetness.
- For a dairy-free option, replace butter with a non-dairy butter substitute or coconut oil.
- Walnuts add a nice crunch and additional nutrients but can be omitted if allergic or undesired.
- Using quick-cook oats reduces cooking time but rolled oats can be substituted with an adjusted cooking time.
- Make sure to stir the oats often to prevent sticking to the pan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
