This being my fourth "oatmeal" you may think the recipe is being somewhat stretched. HOWEVER the family, who can't get enough of morning "oatmeals", have declared this banana cinnamon version the best of the lot so whaddyaknow, I decided to share. Only because I'm nice like that, because let's face it the small people get territorial about our recipes sometimes and don't always want everyone else to have as much fun as we do 😉
If you've been on the AIP for some time and often lament the passing of cereals from your life, then these "oatmeals" are surely the answer to your prayers. I keep using the "inverted commas" because, of course, there is not an oat in sight although I reckon you could fool any Scot if you stuck a bowl of this in front of them. I have no Scottish heritage but I do have fond memories of eating oatmeal (with no inverted commas) at home as a child, something my parents often still do and I well remember buying my father a spurtle one Christmas as a wee joke!
Be super duper organised and do as I do. Prepare a large squash the night before by cutting it in half across the width, scooping out the seeds and putting it cut side down in a roasting pan large enough to hold both halves. Pour a half inch worth of water into the pan and bake at 350F/180C for about 45 minutes to an hour. You want the flesh to be nice and soft, just a little beyond that spaghetti stage so if you go over the 45 minute mark, like I often do because I get distracted, I wouldn’t worry! Carefully remove the piping hot squash halves and put them, cut sides up, onto plates to cool before popping into the fridge overnight. Next morning, making this is the easiest thing ever and takes just minutes!
PS: When you make ‘oatmeals’ be sure to add some collagen on serving (which mixes in beautifully by the way) for your joint health. It’s wondrous stuff and does your body a gazillion favours!
banana cinnamon "oatmeal"
Even though this recipe uses half a large squash, I still cook this size as the squash keeps well in a covered container in the fridge. That way you’ll have enough for another oatmeal breakfast, or a good quantity you can use for something else.
(serves 4)
3 cups spaghetti squash (see above for how to cook)
1+1/4 cups shredded coconut
2+1/2 cups coconut milk
1 large ripe banana, mashed
1 tsp cinnamon
generous pinch salt
To serve: (optional)
slices of banana
sprinkle cinnamon
spoonful softly whipped coconut cream
Put all the ingredients into a large pan, mix well and bring to the boil. Immediately turn down to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently until piping hot. Resist the temptation to add more coconut milk if your mix looks rather dry at the start, do this right at the very end after blending, if needs be.
Use an immersion blender to break down the fibres of the squash, but leaving it fairly chunky. Serve with slices of banana and a pinch of cinnamon if you like. I also occasionally add a spoonful of softly whipped coconut cream, especially on a weekend when there's no need to rush!
Don’t forget to check out three more delicious AIP oatmeals : Roasted Cinnamon Pear ‘Oatmeal’, Apple and Cranberry 'Oatmeal' and my Summer version, Peach and Ginger ‘Oatmeal‘.
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[…] Banana cinnamon “oatmeal” from Healing Family Eats […]
Could you make this ahead of time and just reheat? I'm going on a week long trip and will have limited if any kitchen access. So, I'm looking for quick and easy things I can make now and then just heat up at the hotel.
Yes you can Lisa, it will be perfect for that 🙂
This is such a great idea, I'm going to give it a try this week! 🙂
Great, I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Hi there. Any suggestions of what I could replace the spaghetti squash with? We don't get it here in South Africa.
Hi Rene, assuming you can get hold of different squashes my next choice would be acorn squash. What you are looking for is one with a blander flavour, as opposed to the stronger, richer ones such as butternut. The spaghetti squash's mild flavour allows the added flavours to take centre stage, plus it's texture is perfect. So bear this in mind when you're choosing a substitute ... or cook what you can get and enjoy it anyway, even though it will be a little different from the recipe here 🙂
We only have zucchini where I live. Can we use that?
I'm sorry Amy, zucchini has such a high water content it wouldn't work for this recipe. Do you have access to a farmers' market at all? They should have loads of squashes, if you can't find the spaghetti variety then an acorn would be the next best thing.
No, we live in Turkey. We only have zucchini and pumpkin. How about cauliflower?
Pumpkin is the best option. It will not be he same texture but it should make a good, filling bowl. And if you want to make breakfast with the cauliflower, try these recipes 🙂
http://healingfamilyeats.com/cauli-porridge-with-rosemary-plum-compote-aip/ and http://healingfamilyeats.com/warm-porridge-with-lemon-and-berries-aip/
Renee, we can make it with gem squash, but you need a couple of big ones...
Hi Rene,
I live in SA too and happened to find them at Woolies one day. R24 each! Not too bad! 🙂 Not many people in SA know about AIP.
Yum. I made this today and it was the perfect substitute for "oats porridge". It is the first time I ever cooked or even ate spaghetti squash. This recipe is great ! Next time I will try it with pear. This is certainly a recipe I will be repeating throughout winter. Thank you very much for sharing.
I'm so pleased you're enjoying it Vanessa and thanks for letting me know 🙂
Hi Kate,
This sounds so delicious. For the first time ever I have found spaghetti squash in my local veg store. I'm super excited. Just a question though, with one of your previous recipes (http://autoimmune-paleo.com/warm-porridge-with-lemon-and-berries/) you have said you can freeze it, is the above Banana Oatmeal and similar other three also suitable for freezing?
My husband is usually pretty good about trying new recipes, but being that it's only the two of us (expecting our first child in Feb 2016) I wondered if I could still make the full recipe but freeze portions so that I can continue to have variety, but not have to make every day. especially those days when its a super busy morning.
Thanks in advance for your response.
Sincerely,
Imogen
Hi Imogen, yes all of the oatmeals freeze like a dream. When you come to reheat, just let them down with a little coconut milk or water and you're good to heat them up and go.
I'm so pleased you found some spaghetti squash (if it's that hard to come by, grab a few as they will keep for quite some time in a cool place) and I hope you love the recipe ... great nourishing food for you and your precious bundle on his/her way. Good luck! 🙂
Hi Kate,
Thanks for getting back to me. I'll let you know once I've tried one what I think of it - by the sounds of each recipe they're going to taste amazing!
OMG Kate this is sooooo good! I have made tour cauli-porridge so many times and love it. Now that squash is back in season I wanted to try one of your squash porridge recipes. I'm totally hooked! REALLY remind me of regular oatmeal. Not sure how I'm gonna not eat the whole thing... Hehe
Yay Deana! I'm so pleased you're enjoying the oatmeal. We are still loving it here, so comforting on a dark, cool morning 🙂
Thanks for letting me know!
Hello,
I would like to know if I can do it on Sunday and divided it in amazing jars for the week's breakfast.
Hi Adriana, I wouldn't keep it any longer than 3-4 days in the fridge so you could divide up that many portions and pop the rest in the freezer.
Thank you, Kate, for your wonderful suggestions. I am inspired to try something new.
Thank you so much for this! I am thrilled to share with my clients who will love me as much as I love you right now! (They'll love you too, I'll tell them where the recipe came from 🙂
Tastes amazing and such comfort for this cold November day! I doubt there's a sub, but any ideas to replace the coconut flakes?? (I'm thinking of my kids)
Hi Jenn, thanks for the comment, I hope everyone gets nice and cosy with this oatmeal substitute 🙂
As for subbing the shredded coconut, although I haven't tried it I would be tempted to use a little more squash and a little less coconut milk. It'll be a question of experimenting to get the texture you like but I think it should work a treat.
This is delicious! Thanks for posting.
Glad you like it Jes, thanks for letting me know.
So I am doing AIP for fatigue :). This recipe sounds amazing!! However I just put it into my fitness pal and it says that it is 512 Calories per serving :(. Any idea on how to lighten it up?
Hi Jessica, the AIP isn't really about counting calories (unless you need to put on weight, that is), it's about nourishing your body to the max so your gut can heal. This protocol is a fairly low carbohydrate diet anyway and hopefully you've cut out the sugars, so I don't think you need to worry about the calorific content of the oatmeal. Having said that, if you still wanted to cut down then I would decrease the quantity of coconut milk and replace the amount with filtered water (although you will also be decreasing essential fat intake). You could also look into switching the banana for apple, there's a recipe here http://healingfamilyeats.com/apple-and-cranberry-oatmeal-aip/ . I hope that helps.
I made this tonight. I had a bunch of spaghetti squash left over after having "spaghetti" the other night. Just happened to have 3 cups. I have such a busy schedule I didn't Mondays prepping, and precooking meals especially breakfast. I really miss oatmeal on a cold morning. I'm looking forward to breakfast tomorrow.
*spend Mondays prepping.
Fingers crossed I hope you enjoy it Karen 🙂
When you use coconut milk, you are referring to coconut milk in a can, full fat? I'm excited to try this.
Hi Joleen, I use this one which comes in a BPA-free carton or can. Hope you enjoy 🙂
I made this the other day and it was fantastic! I did however sneak in 2-tbs of Grade B Maple Syrup! I had it every morning for a week, with just one half of a large squash! Thank you so very much for spicing up my morning breakie routine, It was getting a bit stale!
Pleased to oblige 🙂
Could I use a roasted banana in this recipe rather than just mashing a ripe one up? Roasting it really releases great sweetness and amplifies the flavor. I'm just curious because I wasn't sure if roasting bananas would make it non-compliant with AIP. 🙂
Hi Hollie, that sounds delicious - and totally AIP-friendly 🙂
Could you replace Almond milk for the coconut in the recipe? Neither my son or I can tolerate coconut milk. Wish we could because we love the taste!
Yes of course. It'll be fine but I'm sure you're aware it won't be AIP-friendly then.
Enjoy 🙂
Would tiger nut milk sub for coconut milk ?
I haven't tried it but I'm sure it would be just fine.
This looks like a recipe to make and dehydrate for backpacking/kayaking trips that I've been looking for. Thanks for being so creative and sharing.
Interesting idea! 🙂
This is going to change my mornings. I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's, so I am following a strict AIP diet. I have been feeling like I have too much meat in my morning routine. This is a wonderful and DELICIOUS alternative. Thank you.
Sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis Traci, but I'm delighted you found the AIP. Enjoy your breakfasts, I have a large spaghetti squash here, all ready to go into the oven 😉
Thank you. I am actually happy to finally have some answers about what's happening to my body. Now that I am aware of what I'm trying to target, I can move forward more well-equipped. I am looking for a functional medical practitioner in my area. I want to treat my whole body and root causes, not just symptoms.
You are very wise. The AIP is definitely more successful when done with the added guidance of a Practitioner. Wishing you much luck!
This could seem like a super obvious question… But does this have a strong coconut flavor or much of a coconut flavor at all? I am trying to find some "comfort food" I can eat that does not have a strong coconut flavor.
Hi Kara, the dominant flavour is banana so it shouldn't be an issue but if you dislike coconut that much, use more banana to taste. I hope it gives you comfort 🙂
Hi there! I'm struggling with AIP and coconut and avocado allergies. I'd love to have some comfort food options. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
Hi Megan, sorry to hear you are struggling. You could make a coconut-free oatmeal with spaghetti squash, a little water and some fruit, mashed bananas will give a good texture if you can tolerate them. They are also sweet enough that you won't miss the coconut too much. Or you could add some dried fruit to the mix, such as dates or raisins, or a couple of teaspoons of maple syrup. Add the water last, just enough to get the consistency you like and I'm sure you'll get a comforting bowlful. Hope that helps.
Whew! Thank you so much for your suggestion, I'll try it!
T!hank you for your posting and your tenacity for trying new recipes. I am learning about my 2 autoimmune diseases and this seems like it will be so beneficial to my body. You are a blessing!
You are so sweet, thank you Christy. Wishing you better health!
Hi Christy,
I just started the Fast Tract diet for IBS issues and cannot have banana or apples, but I can eat strawberries. Do you think I can just substitute those in for banana, or would you suggest a different recipe?
Thanks for your advice!
Hi Jeanine, have you seen two other oatmeal recipes I have on the site, here and here? I suggest you give those a try.
i love this recipe and it is a staple in my house! I also love your bowl! where is it from?
We love it too Gretchen, and so warming and cosy at this time of year. The bowl came from a Canadian bookshop called Indigo here in Vancouver! 😉
I am going to order the coconut milk you linked, however, until I am able to get it, can I use full-fat coconut milk from a can? If so, would I just blend it together since it separates naturally in the can (I live in a cold area).
Yes, and it will work just as well. Be sure to use a can with no additives for strict AIP though. Enjoy 🙂
Just made a batch of this for the week ahead and am pleasantly surprised at the taste and texture. I am day 11 of AIP and was looking for something new. Thank you!!!!
So pleased you enjoyed the oatmeal, and congrats on nearly completing your second week. Wishing you good health 🙂
Thanks so much! 🙂
Just to clarify, are you supposed to shred out the squash.. or use the skin as well? I have always just pulled out the squash from inside and discarded the outside shell... but I didnt see that in the instructions so I want to be sure!
Yes, flesh only! Happy breakfasting 🙂
Hi Kate! I found out I have Hashi's a few months ago and have been slowly working towards AIP. This recipe has been a LIFE SAVER; breakfasts have been the hardest and most discouraging thing but this tastes yummy AND tastes like breakfast, I love it! Thank you!
One issue I'm having though. The first batch I made was perfect, but every batch I've made since has been too runny. What would help to thicken it - less coconut milk maybe?
Thank you again! 🙂
Hi Lillian, glad it's hitting the spot for you. Don't worry, the recipe is very forgiving so when you make it up next time why not start off with a little less coconut milk and add the extra if you need it. Either that or just add some more shredded coconut at the end to thicken it.
This is delicious! I made it this morning. I was surprised by how sweet it was. After 8 months of AIP it was a welcome change. Thanks!
Hey Kate! I have tried this several times (great by the way) but I just omit shredded coconut (can't have coconut). Any ideas for a replacement? Thanks!
Personally I wouldn't replace but just use less coconut milk or more squash. Still delicious.
This could be maybe a meal for some of the mornings but not all as it doesn't seem very balanced. If you don't add the coconut cream there is not a lot of fat, and there isn't a lot of protein in it, so just some fibre and carbs, are we not supposed to get more protein for breakfast?
Thank you
There is plenty of fat in the oatmeal - don't forget all that coconut milk. As for protein, I mentioned in the text above about adding some collagen for that reason. Ideally we would aim for a starter ratio of 40/30/30 (carbs/protein/fat) and then tweak it to what suits you, so you could eat a small patty of some kind if you want.
Thank you for your reply.
Just started AIP 4 weeks ago, but with this cool, rainy, fall weather settling in here in the Great Lakes region, I have been craving something warm and gooey for breakfast rather than my usual dinner leftovers. Your oatmeal recipes were just what I needed, and after trying your recipe this morning, I'm ready to try them all. As a bonus, your writing style is delightful and such a pleasant way to start my morning! Thank you!!
That's such a sweet thing to say, thank you Lily. Good luck on your healing journey, I'm so pleased to be a part of it 🙂
I just found your recipe and l love it!!! I have missed having warm porridge in the cold months. This is so yummy. I made a batch on Sunday and have had a bowl each morning. Thank you again!
You're welcome Mary, I'm so pleased you can enjoy porridge again 🙂
Hello!
Today I tried the banana cinnamon oatmeal. This is after being on a very strict regimen as a result of Hashimoto's, SIBO and Histamine Intolerance, and even having been on the Physician's Elemental diet. I am doing well now, so I thought I'd try some things which previously have not been allowed.
I like so much about the recipe: It looks beautiful, it has great texture and substance. The only thing is I'm not used to eating anything that is so sweet! Although I do have a sweet tooth, the sweetness of the coconut was a bit overwhelming. Do yo have any suggestions for making it less sweet?
Best wishes,
Christine
Hi Christine. How about using part coconut milk and part filtered water?
Yes! I think that could work. Is there a ratio that you would suggest to start?
How about starting with half and half. You could also use just a small banana to cut the sweetness down further.
I will try it!
You know, except for the sweetness, I felt so well after eating this oatmeal! I have lost way too much weight, and the substantial nature of the oatmeal provided fuel for hours, and energy without the dreaded brain fog.
Thank you for the work you do! My quality of life has improved exponentially since finding your blog!
It's amazing how our palate changes over time isn't it? I'm so happy to hear you like my site, thanks SO much for taking the time to share that. Here's wishing you lots more energy, healing and a few more pounds, all whilst eating delicious and nutritious food!
Happy weekend 🙂
Well I guess you were right that our palate changes over time! But in my case it was only over a period of four days! After having eaten all four portions of the banana cinnamon "oatmeal" it no longer tastes too sweet to me, and I can't get enough of it!! So I don't really need to try to change the recipe after all. Perhaps it was just in comparison to the very plain gluten free steel cut oatmeal with nothing but a little fresh fruit that I once ate.
Now on to try all of your other great looking "oatmeals"!
Thanks again!
Glad you enjoyed it Christine 😉
Have fun trying the others!
Hello Kate,
After enjoying lovely whipped cream with my Banana Cinnamon oatmeal using Native Forest Simple Coconut Milk without guar gum, the last box I received from Amazon contained 1 less gram of fat per can. I find that it no longer sets up a cream, and no longer whips! So I ordered a box of the Natural Value which has a much higher fat content, and looked great in other respects. But it was grey and grainy and solid without any milk when I opened it, and whipping it made a thick grey grainy unappetizing cream.
Any suggestions as to where to go from here?
Best wishes,
Christine
Hi Christine, I use Aroy-D. I put the cans in the fridge to use for cream, and have the tetra packs which I keep for milk. I also recently got my hands on a tetra pack of Aroy-D cream, which I've yet to use but it's supposed to whip up really nicely! Hope that helps.
I was skeptical. There was no way I was going to like this. Guess what? It's delicious!
Haha, glad you gave in to your skepticism. You have me craving oatmeal now!!
I sty made this for breakfast. Oh my goodness it is so good! The whipped coconut cream takes it to the next level! My daughter was not a huge fan of the texture, but I really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing!
So happy it hit the spot Jaime
This is so good and super easy to make. My 2 year old son can’t get enough of it. I added in a scoop of nut butter and it firms up nicely in the refrigerator. He will even eat it cold. Thanks for the wonderful recipe.
Ah I'm so happy to hear, I do love the idea of little ones enjoying their healthy food so much. Thanks for telling me that 🙂
This recipe really inspired me. I had tried a few AIP n'oatmeal recipes before that I did not like, but this one changed everything. I really enjoyed it and it made the idea of trying more recipes appealing again. Thank you!
I'm so happy you enjoyed this recipe, thanks for telling me. Best of luck with your healing MJ 🙂
I have a banana allergy. Do you think this would work with applesauce?
Yes it would, and you can make it easier on yourself with my Apple & Cranberry Oatmeal (leave out the cranberries if you like). There's also a Roasted Cinnamon Pear Oatmeal which is delicious too!
Hits the spot! This is my second winter enjoying your 'oatmeal'. I used to love regular oatmeal before I went true gluten free almost 2 years ago. Replacements like these for old favs plus new habits, like regular batch cooking, will help ensure I stay on track! Thank you.
Aww I'm happy you're still enjoying the oatmeal. I haven't had this in so long, you've inspired me to make it this weekend!
Enjoy!!
Hello Kate,
I have been enjoying this wonderful oatmeal now almost every morning for months! I am wondering if you have any suggestions for a hot drink to pair with it. I love black tea, but the high histamines cause intense brain fog. And I love coffee, but it causes havoc in other ways. Camomile tea sometimes seems a bit weak for a morning cup. Any other suggestions?
Hello Christine
So glad you like the oatmeal. Have you tried dandelion root tea? I'm a big fan. It gives you the strength of black tea and coffee, but it's fantastic for the liver/gallbladder.
And if you like the idea of a latte, try this recipe from autoimmunewellness.com
So simple and so perfect, great to get veggies in for breaky as well. I used jap pumpkin instead of spaghetti squash (as I can't find that in Melbourne, Australia) and it tasted yum. I also used 1 banana per 2 seeves (halved the recipie), so more banana but the balance was great and so filling (I added 3T collagen as well). I topped with coconut yogurt and passionfruit.
Sounds delicious, I'm so happy you were able to make it with your pumpkin.
Oh my goodness! I made this this morning and it was just delicious. I love the subtle creamy taste 🙂 thank you so much for posting this I will be enjoying this porridge for many years to come.
I'm so happy to hear this, thanks for letting me know Charlotte.
Wishing you joyful porridge eating!
Hi Kate. I found you through your Whole30 Recipes Instagram takeover, and I’m so excited to explore your blog and also try this recipe! I don’t have an immersion blender. Would a regular blender do the job?
Hi Lauren, it's good to have you here. Yes a regular blender will do the job, but pulse just a few times because you don't want to break the squash up too much. Enjoy!
Oh great, thank you so much for the quick reply. I can't wait to try this recipe.
Just made this and im impressed! Skipped the banana and just topped with some blueberries. Still so good, thank you for the creative and delicious recipe!
I made this the other day for the first time in ages. So good! I'm glad you made a version that worked for you!
Just made this for the week's breakfasts and I am so excited! It tastes great! I did not have coconut shreds, but am passed elimination and can tolerate almonds so used Almond meal. Great!
Happy you have a delicious breakfast to enjoy Karolina x