Almond-Chai Oats

Makes 8 cups

If berries are a superfood, then this recipe for Almond-Chai Oats is the Avengers. Oats are known for their part in lowering heart disease, but chai tea is a powerhouse of its own! Chai boasts a high quantity of nutrients and antioxidants compared to its low-calorie count. Top off this dish with fresh berries to complete the team of superfoods. This meal is wonderful for cold winter mornings and late-night snacks in front of the fire.

INGREDIENTS

2 chai tea bags
¼ cup boiling water
3 cups rolled oats
2 cups coarsely chopped almonds
¼ cup sugar-free toasted coconut flakes
½ cup honey
¼ cup olive oil
2 tsp. vanilla extract
⅓ cup sugar
¾ tsp. salt
¾ tsp. ground cinnamon
¾ tsp. ground nutmeg
¼ tsp. ground cardamom

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F. Grease a 10-by-15-inch baking pan and set aside.
2. Soak the tea bags in the boiling water for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the oats, almonds and coconut flakes. Discard the tea bags and stir the honey, olive oil, vanilla, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom into the tea. Pour the tea blend over the oatmeal mixture and stir to thoroughly coat. 
3. Distribute evenly in the prepared pan. Bake until golden, stirring every 20 minutes, for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cool completely without stirring. Sprinkle berries on top and serve immediately or store in a sealed airtight container.

NUTRITION • PER ONE SERVING

Calories 400
Total Fat 21g (27%)
Saturated Fat 3.006g (15%)
Trans Fat 0.007g
Total Carbohydrate 47g (17%)
Dietary Fiber 6g (21%)
Total Sugars 21g
Includes 0g
Added Sugars (0%)
Cholesterol 0mg (0%)
Sodium 2220mg (97%)
Protein 10g (20%)
Vitamin D 0mcg (0%)
Calcium 83mg (6%)
Iron 2.45mg (15%)
Potassium 317mg (6%)
Phosphorus (20%)

This AMAZING Recipe can be found in my Mediterranean Meals on a Budget cookbook here