Muesli — The Ordinary Morning After the Ordinary Tuesday

Tuesday needed dinner, and Wednesday will need breakfast — that is the steady logic of a continuing life. I reach for muesli on mornings after evenings like that one: no performance required, no special occasion to justify it, just oats and fruit and the particular kindness of something that was ready before I was. The wet grinder roars for idli batter on Sundays, but the rest of the week finds its footing in quieter rituals. This is one of them.

Muesli

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes (plus overnight soaking) | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup raw almonds, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 cups milk of choice (dairy, oat, or almond)
• 1 cup plain yogurt (dairy or coconut, optional)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, plus more to taste
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Fresh fruit for serving (sliced banana, berries, or grated apple)

Instructions

1. Combine the dry base. In a large bowl, stir together the rolled oats, chopped almonds, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt until evenly mixed.
2. Add the liquid. Pour the milk, yogurt (if using), honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract over the oat mixture. Stir well to combine, making sure all the oats are moistened.
3. Soak overnight. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. The oats will absorb the liquid and soften considerably.
4. Check the consistency. In the morning, stir the muesli. If it seems thicker than you’d like, loosen it with a splash of milk until it reaches your preferred texture.
5. Taste and adjust. Add another drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter bowl. The raisins and coconut provide natural sweetness, so taste before adding more.
6. Serve. Spoon into bowls and top with fresh fruit. Serve cold straight from the refrigerator, or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if you prefer it less chilled.
7. Store. Leftover muesli keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving and add a splash of milk as needed.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 380 | Protein: 12g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 52g | Fiber: 6g | Sodium: 140mg