Raw Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl

I like incorporating some raw foods into my diet, but during the winter months, I'm not too excited about cold raw meals.  When I saw it was going to be 60 degrees today, I decided I would make some raw oatmeal for breakfast. You can prepare it the night before, and then pack it up and eat it on the go without worrying about keeping it warm like traditional oatmeal.  The only thing you need to do ahead of time is soak your oats.  I put them in my Vitamix at night with water, dates (this is your sweetener), and then they are all ready to blend up in the morning. Soaking the oats allows beneficial bacteria break down and neutralize phytic acid which is on the outer layer of the oats.  Phytic acid is a mineral blocker than combines with minerals in our food and blocks us from absorbing them during digestion.
This is a quick and nutritious meal that you take with you on the go.  I like taking it on the train with me, and I don't have to worry about keeping it warm like traditional oatmeal.  You can put your toppings in a little bag at night so all you have to do is blend it, put it in your favorite container, throw on the toppings and run out the door.  Just don't forget a spoon!
Here are step by step photos followed by the recipe:

 1.  Soaking the oats with water, dates, cinnamon and a pinch of salt

 2.  Using my Vitamix to blend

 3.  Adding chia seeds and hemp hearts

4.  Adding pecans and raisins

 5.  Maple syrup is the final touch!

Raw Oatmeal Breakfast Bowl

Makes about four 3/4 cup servings

1 ½ cups steel cut oats

1 ¾ cup water

5 pitted dates (more if you want sweeter oatmeal)

½ teaspoon cinnamon

pinch of salt

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 tablespoon hemp hearts

2 teaspoons pecan pieces

2 tablespoon raisins

1.    Put water, dates, cinnamon salt and  the steel cut oats into your Vitamix or blender. Let them sit overnight.

2.    In the morning, start your blender 

3.    While the water and oats are blending, get all the other toppings ready.

4.    Continue blending until the oatmeal is a nice, smooth texture.

5.  Add your toppings and drizzle some maple syrup on top if you like.  I know I do!

NOTE: If you do not want a smooth texture, simply soak oats with water and some maple syrup overnight.  Do not put them in a blender and simply add toppings  of your choice in the morning.