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Breakfast

Oats in the Right Direction: Miso-Spinach Breakfast Bowls

Creamy vegan miso oats with spinach, edamame, scallions and sesame in a ceramic breakfast bowl

Creamy savoury oats, bright edamame and wilted spinach make a cosy 20-minute breakfast with ginger, miso and sesame in every spoonful.

Grab this

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons white miso
  • 2 teaspoons reduced-sodium tamari
  • 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, divided
  • 4 scallions, white and green parts separated and thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 2 cups no-salt-added vegan vegetable broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups frozen shelled edamame
  • 4 packed cups baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Do this

  1. Whisk the miso, tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup and 3 tablespoons warm water in a small bowl until completely smooth. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the scallion whites and ginger, then cook for 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the rolled oats, vegetable broth, water and frozen edamame. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
  4. Cook for 7 to 9 minutes, stirring often, until the oats are creamy and the edamame is hot. Add a splash of water if the mixture becomes thicker than you like.
  5. Fold in the spinach a handful at a time and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until wilted. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  6. Stir in the miso mixture and remaining 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Divide among four bowls and finish with the scallion greens and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Easy swaps

  • Soy-free: replace the edamame with 2 cups frozen green peas, use chickpea miso instead of soy miso, and replace tamari with coconut aminos. Allergen note: the original recipe contains soy; check chickpea miso and coconut aminos for shared-equipment warnings.
  • Sesame-free: use neutral cooking oil instead of sesame oil and toasted pumpkin seeds instead of sesame seeds. Allergen note: the original recipe contains sesame.
  • Gluten-free: choose certified gluten-free rolled oats and confirm that the miso, tamari and vegetable broth are certified gluten-free. Regular oats can have wheat cross-contact.
  • Baby kale can replace the spinach; remove any thick stems and give it an extra 2 minutes to soften.
  • For a thinner, more porridge-like bowl, stir in up to 1/2 cup additional hot water just before serving.

Estimated per serving

Nutrition at a glance

Calories
340
Fat
11g
Saturated fat
1.6g
Carbohydrates
40g
Fibre
9g
Sugars
4g
Protein
18g
Sodium
430mg

Edamame and oats give each estimated serving a useful combination of plant protein and fibre; values vary with brands and portions.

Estimates vary with ingredient brands, substitutions and serving size.