In an effort to jazz up our weekday breakfast routine, I made Pan-Seared Oatmeal with Warm Fruit Compote and Cider Syrup. I originally found this recipe in an issue of Cooking Light, but I’d completely forgotten about it, that is, until I rediscovered it on one of my favorite food blogs, Meet Me in the Kitchen.
Pan-Seared Oatmeal with Warm Fruit Compote and Cider Syrup
Ingredients
- Syrup:
- 2 cups apple cider
- Compote:
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (7-ounce) package dried mixed fruit bits (I used dried apple slices and some dried cranberries I already had)
- Oatmeal:
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup fat-free milk
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups steel-cut (Irish) oats
- Cooking spray
- 1/4 cup butter, divided
Preparation
To prepare syrup, bring cider to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until reduced to 1/3 cup (about 20 minutes); set aside.
To prepare compote, combine 2 cups water, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and dried fruit in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until thick.
To prepare oatmeal, combine 3 cups water, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; stir in oats. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until thick, stirring occasionally. Spoon oatmeal into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray; cool to room temperature. Cover and chill at least 1 hour or until set. (I let mine chill overnight)
Using a sharp knife, cut oatmeal into 8 equal rectangles; cut each rectangle in half diagonally to form 16 triangles.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oatmeal triangles; cook 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove from pan; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and oatmeal triangles. Place 2 oatmeal triangles on each of 8 plates, and top each serving with 3 1/2 tablespoons fruit compote and about 2 teaspoons syrup.
I doubt I will make this recipe again. It wasn’t bad, I just didn’t get the warm, fuzzy feeling from it I had anticipated. Also, despite my best efforts, the cider syrup was too runny for my taste. But, hey, it was an experience. If you decide to make this, I would recommend serving it with eggs, bacon, etc. It’s not satisfying enough to stand alone.
2 comments
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April 15, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Jessica
I’m lately starting to eat more oatmeal and this is a great idea. Pan seared, I never would have thought about it.
April 19, 2009 at 6:37 pm
The Muse
Well for goodness sakes! I love this idea!