With the high occurrence of gluten intolerance among Ashkenazi Jews, many in the community are seeking alternative grains. Oats offer an excellent way to add fiber and nutrients to your diet while avoiding wheat.
Morganics Family Farm in Hillsborough, N.J., grows organic grains and sells them at area farmers markets. Owner Scott Morgan had been a vegetable farmer for years, and saw the field (no pun intended) become increasingly crowded. As he surveyed fellow vendors at his various markets, he noticed a gap in the offerings: No one was doing organic grains, so he decided to start.
Morgan now offers rolled and whole oats (groats) as well as oat flour, which he mills fresh to order at the farmers markets. His winter wheat will be harvested in July. He is also experimenting with chickpeas and French lentils and plans to cultivate these crops in coming seasons.
I caught up with Morgan at the Headhouse Farmers Market, and he shared the following breakfast recipe, starring his organic rolled oats. Note: This dish works with any rolled oat; just avoid “quick-cooking” or “instant” oats.
It keeps for up to five days in the refrigerator and can easily be multiplied as desired. It is a substantial and healthy breakfast, so mix up a quintuple batch today and you are set for the entire work week.
The basic recipe is great on its own with a bit of sweetener, and you can vary it with different toppings to avoid monotony in your morning meals throughout the week.
Overnight Oats (aka muesli)
Makes one serving
- ⅓ cup rolled oats
- ⅓ cup milk
- ⅓ cup yogurt
Options:
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- Pinch of spice such as cinnamon, cardamom or nutmeg
Topping suggestions:
- ¼ cup fresh fruit: berries, sliced bananas, chopped apples or pears
- 1 tablespoon dried fruit: raisins, cranberries, cherries, etc.
- Sweetener such as maple syrup, honey, molasses or brown sugar, to taste, approximately 1 teaspoon
- 1 tablespoon nuts
Mix the oats, milk, yogurt, seeds, ginger (if using) and spice in a small bowl or sealable container. Cover and place in refrigerator overnight.
When ready to serve, add the toppings as desired, stir and enjoy.
