Honeynut Squash Custardy Oats

Ingredients

• 2 cup Water or milk (Choose water or milk; reserve extra liquid for splashing in if needed.)
• 0.6667 cup Steel-cut oats
• 1 cup Cooked squash flesh (Honeynut squash; butternut may be substituted. Creator advises against pumpkin.)
• 0.75 cup Egg whites or whole eggs (Choose 3/4 cup egg whites or 4 whole eggs; whisk before adding.)
• 1 tsp Cinnamon (Other spices may be added as desired.)
• 1 tbsp Maple syrup (To taste; the creator uses about 1 tablespoon. Omit for the suggested savory variation.)
• Vanilla extract (Measure to taste.)
• Salt (A pinch.)
• 0.5 tbsp Chia seeds or basil seeds (Optional; choose chia or basil seeds.)
• Butter (Optional topping.)
• Milk (Optional topping.)
• Brown sugar (Optional topping.)

Steps

1. 1

   Add the water or milk, steel-cut oats, cooked squash flesh, cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and optional chia or basil seeds to a saucepan. Keep the whisked eggs or egg whites aside for now.

2. 2

   Set the saucepan over medium-low heat and stir constantly, helping break down the squash as the mixture warms.

3. 3

   Continue cooking for about 10–15 minutes, stirring constantly, until the oats have softened and absorbed the liquid. If the mixture cooked too hot or fast and becomes too thick, add splashes of liquid as needed.

4. 4

   Once the oats are cooked down and soft, reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Slowly stream in the whisked egg whites or whole eggs, stirring briskly and constantly. Pause briefly between pours to let each addition incorporate into the porridge.

5. 5

   When all the egg has been incorporated, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the porridge stand for 1–2 minutes.

6. 6

   Spoon the oats into bowls. Add butter, milk, brown sugar, or any other desired toppings, then serve.

Notes

For a savory variation, use broth and other spices, and leave out the maple syrup and cinnamon. The source does not specify quantities for optional toppings, vanilla, salt, or the extra liquid used as needed.

Nutrition per serving

• breakfast
• vegetarian
• cozy
• fall
• stovetop
• porridge
• high-fiber