Chocolate Pomegranate Oatmeal

I remember being underwhelmed the first time I tried pomegranate. I expected it to taste exotic and burst with flavorful juices, like a Fruit Gusher. I couldn't deny my disappointment the first time I bit into one and crunched into the inner seed.

As with coconut, cranberries, and kiwifruit, I eventually came around to love everything about pomegranates, including the qualities I originally loathed. I love that little crunch now. I love the subtle indescribable flavor. I love the feel of the misshapen little jewels on my tongue before they burst.

...and if I'm being honest, I still love the look of them more than anything else. I mean...look at them! They're beautiful!

This recipe contains somewhat of a secret ingredient. I needed something to make the porridge creamy and fudgy, but I wasn't thrilled about the idea of using banana. Luckily, I had some pumpkin on hand, and I knew that with enough vanilla extract and cocoa powder, the pumpkin would be undetectable.

You could use banana instead, but you'll almost definitely taste the banana. :) It's just a matter of preference, I guess!

Pomegranate Fudge Oatmeal

by The Oatmeal Artist

Prep Time: 2 min

Cook Time: 5 min

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Ingredients (serves 1)

• 3/4 cup milk of choice, or water
• 1/4 cup quick cook steel-cut oats (I use Country Choice Organic)
• 2 tbsp pumpkin puree (or mashed banana)
• 5 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp maple syrup (or more)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup pomegranate arils

Instructions

1. Bring milk (I use 1/2 c almond milk and 1/4 c water) to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to medium. (If you'd like to add a teaspoon of flax or chia seeds, do so now.)
2. Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add pumpkin puree, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir.
3. When you're pleased with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Add a splash of your milk of choice, pomegranate arils, and any other additional toppings (chocolate chips, shredded coconut, nuts, etc.).

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**You can also find hundreds of other oatmeal recipes (as well as tons of other meatless recipes) on my Pinterest account!  You can also like The Oatmeal Artist on Facebook. Thanks!