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Cozy Cinnamon Poached Pear & Walnut Oatmeal

cinnamon poached pear oatmeal - featured image

This cozy cinnamon poached pear and walnut oatmeal turns humble ingredients into a restaurant-quality breakfast. Poached pears, toasted walnuts, and creamy oats come together in about 25 minutes for a comforting, satisfying start to your day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
  • 2 cups (480ml) water or milk (half water, half whole milk recommended)
  • 1 large ripe but firm bosc pear
  • 3 tablespoons (45g) brown sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/3 cup (40g) walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • a pinch of salt
  • Optional toppings: maple syrup, Greek yogurt, extra cinnamon, dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Start the poaching liquid. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, the cinnamon stick, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
  2. Prepare the pear. Peel the bosc pear, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the core and seeds. Slice each half into 1/4-inch thick wedges.
  3. Poach the pears. Gently add the pear slices to the simmering liquid. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning once halfway through, until tender but still holding their shape. Remove pears with a slotted spoon and set aside. Discard the cinnamon stick, but save the poaching liquid.
  4. Toast the walnuts. While the pears poach, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from pan immediately.
  5. Cook the oatmeal. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 2 cups of liquid (1 cup water and 1 cup milk), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the reserved poaching liquid and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until oats are tender and creamy.
  6. Finish the oatmeal. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
  7. Assemble and serve. Divide oatmeal between two bowls. Arrange poached pear slices on top, sprinkle with toasted walnuts and a light dusting of cinnamon. Drizzle with remaining poaching liquid if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Don’t rush the poaching; gentle simmering is key. Toast walnuts fresh for best flavor. Season oatmeal while it cooks. Use rolled oats, not instant or steel-cut. Adjust liquid ratio as needed. Poached pears can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in their liquid.

Nutrition

Keywords: oatmeal, poached pears, cinnamon, walnuts, breakfast, cozy, healthy, vegetarian