You know those mornings when you just can’t face another boring bowl of cereal? That’s where Bircher muesli steps in, like a breath of fresh alpine air. It’s like breakfast reinvented—creamy oats mingling with fresh fruits, nuts, and a dash of whatever magic you decide to sprinkle in. Imagine a fresh, crisp apple straight from the farmer’s market, and you’re halfway there.
Steps
- In a medium bowl, mix together the rolled oats, shredded coconut, chia seeds, hemp seeds, a pinch of salt, and dried cranberries.
- Pour the almond milk, yogurt, vanilla extract, maple syrup, and grated apple into the oat mixture, stirring until everything is well combined.
- Cover the mixture with plastic wrap or transfer it to individual jars or containers, then refrigerate it overnight.
- When ready to serve, either enjoy directly from the jar or spoon 1 to 1½ cups of muesli into a bowl. Add a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt to adjust the consistency if desired.
- Finish by adding your favorite toppings, such as sliced apples, nut butter, or yogurt, and enjoy your meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds or flax seeds
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 1¼ cups almond milk or milk of choice
- 1 cup plain yogurt or coconut yogurt
- ½-1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, or more to taste
- 1 large Granny Smith apple or apple of choice, cored and grated (peeling is optional)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans/walnuts or slivered almonds
- Sliced or chopped apples
- Dollops of nut butter
- Dollops of yogurt
- Pomegranate arils
- Citrus slices
FAQ
- What is the difference between Bircher Muesli and regular muesli?
- Regular muesli is a dry mixture of oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, similar to granola. Bircher Muesli, on the other hand, involves soaking these same ingredients in milk or juice overnight, making it soft and creamy.
- Can Bircher Muesli be made gluten-free?
- Yes, Bircher Muesli can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats in your preparation.
- Is Bircher Muesli a healthy breakfast option?
- Absolutely, Bircher Muesli is packed with nutrients, including fiber, protein, B vitamins, healthy fats, and omega-3 fatty acids. Just be mindful not to add excessive sweeteners or unhealthy toppings.
- What types of ingredients can I add to my Bircher Muesli?
- You can add a variety of ingredients such as rolled oats, grated apples, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. For creaminess, mix in yogurt and milk. You can also customize with toppings like nut butter, fresh fruits, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- How long should I soak Bircher Muesli?
- It’s recommended to soak Bircher Muesli overnight for the best texture, but soaking for as little as 1-2 hours can work, especially if using quick oats. The choice depends on your preference.
Tips
- Use Rolled Oats for Optimal Texture: When preparing Bircher Muesli, opt for rolled (old-fashioned) oats rather than steel-cut oats. This will ensure a softer, creamier texture after soaking overnight.
- Experiment with Flavor and Texture: Toasting your nuts, shredded coconut, and oats before mixing them into your muesli can add an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Try adding vanilla or cinnamon for additional flavor.
- Customize the Consistency: Feel free to adjust the oat/milk/yogurt ratio to achieve your preferred consistency. If you prefer a thicker or thinner mixture, modify the amounts of liquid ingredients accordingly.
- Add Fresh Fruit Just Before Serving: For a refreshing crunch, you might want to add grated apples or other fresh fruit just before serving, rather than soaking them overnight. This will help maintain their crisp texture.
Equipment
- Grater – For grating the apple.
- Medium Mixing Bowl – For mixing the ingredients.
- Plastic Wrap or Air-tight Containers/Jars – For covering the mixture or storing the muesli overnight in the refrigerator.
