Warm Spiced Apple Compote Bowls

Serves 4 · 15 min prep · 20 min cook

Ingredients

• 4 large firm apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 pinch of ground cloves
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 pinch of fine sea salt
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup toasted chopped walnuts
• optional garnish fresh mint leaves

Instructions

1. 1Peel the apples if you prefer a softer texture, or leave the skins on for extra color and fiber. Core them and cut into even 3/4-inch chunks.
2. 2Toss the apple pieces immediately with lemon juice in a medium saucepan so they stay bright. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, water, and butter.
3. 3Set the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring once or twice. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not falling completely apart and the liquid has thickened into a light syrup.
4. 4While the compote cooks, combine the rolled oats, milk, and sea salt in a separate small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then cook, stirring often, for 5–7 minutes until the oats are creamy and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. 5Taste the compote and adjust brightness with an extra squeeze of lemon if needed. Remove both pans from the heat.
6. 6Spoon the warm oatmeal into four bowls, creating a shallow well in the center of each.
7. 7Top each bowl with a generous scoop of the spiced apple compote, letting some of the syrup drizzle down the sides.
8. 8Add a dollop of Greek yogurt beside the compote, sprinkle with toasted walnuts for crunch, and finish with a few fresh mint leaves if using. Serve immediately while the contrast of warm fruit and cool yogurt is at its best.