I posted these savory spring oats on Instagram a month ago, without the intention of blogging about them, but a few folks immediately requested the recipe (if it can even be called that!). I’ve made them enough in the last few weeks that it’s definitely time to share; they’re one of a few simple meal formulas that carried me through the end of a very busy spring semester.

My formula for savory oats begins with 1/2 cup rolled oats, a cup of water, a pinch of salt, a tablespoon of nutritional yeast, and a big handful of baby spinach. That’s the oat base. It’s the same one I use in this recipe, which is a favorite, and in the two savory oats that made it into Power Plates.

This base can be seasoned to taste with salt and pepper, made spicy with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, or given zest and variety with turmeric, curry, cumin, harissa, smoked paprika, and a host of other spice blends.

After the base is created (10 minutes or less on the stovetop), it’s time for savory toppings. I often use any combination of:

• chickpeas
• black beans
• lentils
• hummus
• tempeh bacon
• lemon pepper tempeh cubes
• chick’n style soy curls 
• salsa
• tomato sauce
• avocado slices
• walnut herb parmesan
• cashew queso
• cashew cheese
• veggies (anything seasonal)
• nuts
• seeds

It really depends on what I’ve got in my fridge and what needs using up, and possibilities are endless; this is a quintessential “clear out the fridge” meal in my home.

In this case, I had frozen peas, some leftover hummus, and smoked tofu. The smoked tofu from the SoyBoy brand is my jam, and a staple for me (I can usually find it locally without too much trouble), but any marinated and baked tofu, commercial or homemade, would work.

I love the contrast of smoky, firm tofu cubes and light, sweet peas, and I added a little lemon zest to the dish to give it even more seasonal brightness. It is an incredibly filling and satisfying morning meal, and it’s equally good for a simple, one-pot & single serving lunch or dinner.

4.50 from 2 votes

Savory Spring Oats with Tofu, Spinach & Peas

Author – Gena Hamshaw

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Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes minutes

Yields: 1 serving

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rolled oats (50g)
• 1/2 cup water (120ml)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened, non-dairy milk of choice (I use soy) (120ml)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest and a little squeeze of lemon juice
• 1 handful baby spinach (15-28g)
• 1/3 cup defrosted, frozen green peas (45g)
• 2 ounces smoked or pre-baked tofu (60g; such as the Soyboy brand, or another pre-marinated and baked store-bought brand)
• 2 tablespoons hummus of choice (30g)

Instructions

• Place the oats, water, non-dairy milk, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the oats are starting to thicken but aren't yet fully cooked (about 3-5 minutes). Stir in the nutritional yeast, lemon zest and juice, and then add the spinach; cover the oats and allow the spinach to wilt down for about a minute. Then, remove the lid from the oats and stir the spinach in.
• Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the oats are creamy and have reached a desired consistency. If they get overly thick, you can always add a splash of water. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• While the oats are cooking, you can steam, simmer or microwave the peas till tender.
• When the oats are ready, top them with the peas, tofu, and hummus. Serve right away.

I’m excited to cook more this summer, but I’m still craving the very flexible and the very simple, and I suspect that a lot of varied savory oat bowls are in my near future. I’ll share any of combinations that become favorites! 🙂

I’m slowly settling into a period of rest post-graduation. Having space and time all of a sudden feels a little strange, but I’m grateful for it and giving happy thought to the summer months ahead. See you before too long, for another weekend roundup.

xo