Vegan Pumpkin Overnight Oats in the Slow Cooker

Ingredients and Weight:

• Old-fashioned oats: 3 cups
• Pumpkin puree: 1 cup
• Maple syrup: 1/3 cup
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Mixed dried fruits (such as dates, apricots, etc.): 1/2 cup
• Water or vegetable broth: 4 cups
• Cinnamon (for topping)
• Optional: chia seeds, almond slices, or other vegan toppings

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight slow cooking)
• Cooking Time: 8 hours (slow cooker)

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a slow cooker, combine oats, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and water or vegetable broth. Stir well.
2. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours.
3. Before serving, stir in mixed dried fruits.
4. Transfer to individual serving bowls and top with cinnamon, chia seeds, and almond slices (or other chosen toppings).
5. Serve warm or chilled, according to preference.

Nutritional Information: (Please note that the calorie count may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)

• Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving (without toppings)
• Carbohydrates: Oats are a good source of complex carbohydrates.
• Fiber: Dried fruits add fiber to the dish.
• Fat: Vegan-friendly fats from the oats and dried fruits.

Dish Characteristics:

• This dish is a creamy and hearty slow-cooked oatmeal with a hint of pumpkin flavor and a sweet-and-savory taste.
• It is suitable for a vegan lifestyle and can be customized with various toppings.
• The overnight slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and makes for a comforting dish.

User Comments:

1. "This was an excellent dish! The combination of pumpkin and oats was unexpected but delicious."
2. "I love the slow-cooked texture of the oats. The dish was very comforting and filling."
3. "I added some extra chia seeds and almond slices for a crunchy texture. Great dish for a chilly morning."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh or organic ingredients for best results.
• Adjust the amount of maple syrup according to your preference for sweetness.
• If you don't have a slow cooker, you can also make this dish on the stove, but the cooking time will be shorter.
• Feel free to experiment with different toppings such as chia seeds, hemp seeds, or different types of nuts and dried fruits.