By Libbie Summers
Pink Linen Napkin from Yum Yum Smile Shop by Libbie Summers

I LOVE a savory oatmeal –this breakfast for lunch or dinner is everything! It’s packed with nutrients and a GREAT way to use up all those bits and pieces of vegetables you have on hand that are in danger of spoiling. I start out my recipe by making a garlic infused oil that will be spooned over the savory oatmeal at the end and it took this recipe over the top. I happened to have some greens, mushrooms and scallions getting ready to kick in my fridge, but you could use just about anything of the savory variety to make this dish. More ideas below (after the recipe).

Savory Oatmeal
(oatmeal, wilted greens, mushrooms, bacon, parmesan + garlic oil finish)
serves 2

What you need:
Olive oil
2 garlic cloves, sliced
pinch of red pepper flake
2 cups prepared oatmeal (hot)
2 cups greens (I used a mix of chopped collards and spinach)
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
4 mushrooms, sliced
1 slice thick cut bacon, diced
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
1 scallion, chopped for garnish
Flake sea salt
Coarsely ground black pepper

What to do:
1. Make Infused Oil: In a small sauté pan over low heat, add 3 tablespoons olive oil, sliced garlic cloves and red pepper flake. Bring to a simmer. Remove from heat.
2. Finish Oatmeal: Add greens, pinch of salt and pepper to hot oatmeal, stir and cover.
3. Cook Bacon: Add diced bacon to a cold sauté pan. Adjust heat to medium and cook bacon until crisp.
4. Cook Mushrooms: In a small sauté pan over medium heat, add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, butter (optional), mushrooms, pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until mushrooms are just browned.
To Serve: Divide oatmeal between two bowls. Top each with grated parmesan, bacon and mushrooms. Sprinkle each with chopped scallion and spoon a little garlic oil over each (save the rest to spoon over your eggs in the morning). Serve immediately.

Other Savory Oatmeal Combination Ideas:
•Spinach, Tomatoes and Poached or Fried Egg
•Sautéed Tomatoes and Pesto
•Bacon, Cheddar Cheese and Scallions
•Asparagus, Tomatoes and Parmesan
•Diced Sweet Potato and Avocado