Eggy Banana Bread Oatmeal

I didn’t always love oatmeal.  In fact, I used to be disgusted by the mere mention of it.  In my mind, it was something old people ate.  I loved things like cereal and granola!

Oh how things have changed!  Both Vishnu and I could eat oatmeal several times a week now – breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Sometimes we even crave it!

We aren’t your plain oatmeal with fruit kind of people though.  We like to jazz things up with  peanut butter, chocolate chips, walnuts…and eggs.  Yes, you read that right.  We whisk eggs into our oatmeal.  This is definitely one of those don’t knock it till you try it kind of things!

Now, I know what you may be thinking.  Adding an egg to hot oatmeal = scrambled oatmeal.  Not the case if you whisk furiously for a minute or two.  And when I say furiously, I mean it!

Vishnu’s idea of whisking involves taking the whisk and ever so gently moving around whatever is in the pan.  That, my friends, will get you scrambled eggs in your oatmeal.  My husband learned that the hard way!

But seriously, when you take quick oats, a mashed banana, a whole egg, plus a few other fun ingredients, you get the perfect eggy banana bread oatmeal.  It’s so good that you will find yourself making it in the dead of summer!

Think of your favorite banana bread recipe and now imagine it as a thick, creamy, and slightly sweet bowl of oatmeal.  Every spoonful is delicious and comforting.  The egg adds a little extra protein and acts as a thickener.  AND as long as you exhibit some self-control with the toppings, this stuff is healthy!

Eggy Banana Bread Oatmeal
Serves 1

3/4 cup almond milk (or milk of your choice)
1/3 cup quick cooking oats
1 banana, mashed
1 egg, lightly whisked
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon peanut butter
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon chocolate chips

1. Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. As soon as the milk comes to a slow rolling boil, add the oats and mix well.
3. When the mixture starts to bubble, add the mashed banana and mix well.  Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Next, add the egg and immediately begin vigorously whisking the mixture for 1-2 minutes.  [*Have your whisk in hand and ready to go.  Do not let the egg sit in the oatmeal mixture for any amount of time.]
5. Add the vanilla extract and cinnamon and stir until incorporated.
6. Let the oatmeal cook for an additional 1 minute on low heat.
7. Transfer to a bowl, top with peanut butter, walnuts, and chocolate chips.
8. ENJOY!

Have a wonderful weekend!

What are your favorite oatmeal toppings?