"I love this on a cold morning, particularly as I prepare for an active weekend at the gym, on the road, or about town," says David Olson, the man behind A Bachelor and His Grill. "This dish is gorgeous, fresh, nutrient-dense, full of rustic, earthy flavors, and fills the kitchen with the most amazing of aromas."
Serves: 2 to 4
Ingredients:
2 cups water (1 cup water if using old-fashioned oats)
1 cup steel-cut oatmeal (or rolled old-fashioned oats)
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional to taste
1/2 medium onion, finely sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 to 8 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced
3 to 5 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 cup finely grated smoked gouda
Flaky sea salt to taste
Cracked black pepper to taste
2 to 3 sprigs fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
Directions:
1. Bring water to a boil in a pot. Pour in oatmeal, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, until oats have reached desired tenderness.
2. Meanwhile pour oil into a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Add onion and garlic and saute for 3 to 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and thyme sprigs and saute until mushrooms turn golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. (If liquid dries too soon, add 1 teaspoon oil at a time.) Remove thyme sprigs.
3. When oatmeal finishes cooking, remove from heat and fold in gouda. Scoop into pan with vegetables and mix thoroughly. Transfer to serving bowls and add olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
