Universally good food.
The stuff you’d eat regardless of your “diet.”
I’m really excited to be able to participate in Heather’s Meatless Monday’s A-Z!  I’m almost as excited to use this month’s ingredient, nutmeg, in one of my go-to universally good breakfast foods: TVP oatmeal.   I still ate it on my “break” from my nutrition plan!  Translation: it’s really, really good.
Nutmeg is one of my favorite “winter” spices.  I say winter because it has such a warm quality to it.  the smell of it brings to mind spiced desserts, fireplaces, and red wine.  (Ok, ok… I think of red wine no matter what.)
I prefer to use freshly grated nutmeg.  I always recommend keeping fresh spices on hand because they store longer and are more flavorful.  Whole nutmeg can be found in the spice section of your grocery store.  It looks like a little round nut.  All you need is a microplane and you have fresh nutmeg to top your dishes.
Squash takes a little time to roast, so I didn’t want to spend any more time making the TVP oatmeal.  Yes, I realize this is extreme laziness and I could have been making them simultaneously.  Something good came out of my laziness – the discovery that TVP can be cooked in the microwave like oatmeal.
After a quick cook in the microwave, I stuffed my squash and popped it back in the over to brown a bit on top and allow some of the spices from the TVP to soak into the squash bowl.
If you like fruit in your “oatmeal,” you can stir in your favorites before putting the stuffed squash back in the oven.  I stirred blueberries into mine – I love the way they burst in your mouth when they are hot.
I also grated a little extra fresh nutmeg on top for the picture an added punch of flavor.  Annnnd… I had to top the whole thing with peanut butter.
This also makes for a fabulous brinner.
Spiced TVP Breakfast Squash
- 1 Kiri squash (or other small squash)
- 1/2 C TVP
- 1 C water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 5-6 drops liquid Stevia
- Optional: fruit to stir into or top TVP (I used blueberries)
Cut squash in half and gut (remove seeds). Â Place on a baking sheet , cut side up, and roast until tender (~15 mins),
Add TVP and water to a medium-sized bowl. Â Make sure the bowl is big enough because – like oatmeal – TVP will explode in the microwave. Â
Microwave for ~2 mins, until tender.  Allow to rest and soak up any remaining water before stirring in vanilla and spices.
Remove squash from oven. Â Stuff with the TVP mixture (stirring in fruit, if desired) and return to oven for ~5 mins, until slightly browned on top.
Place on plates and add toppings of choice.  I topped mine with a dusting of  fresh nutmeg, blueberries, and peanut butter.
Note: If you’re sensitive to soy, this would also be good with regular oatmeal in place of the TVP.
Makes 2 servings.
***
Speaking of Heather… I get to see her on Friday! Â This week is going to draaaaag.Â
Have you tried TVP oats yet?
What is your favorite “winter” spice?
MizFit says
Dang. That looks amazing. I do need to try me some TVP.
Laura says
It’s magical stuff. 🙂
Fran@BCDC says
This looks delicious, Laura! I’ve been to 3 places that have Bob’s Red Mill…none of them have the TVP. I guess I’ll have to go on line to get it…hate paying shipping! Wish I could remember the name of the other company where I used to get it. I could get it in bulk and of course it was less expensive. I’ll have to really test my brain and think of it!
Laura says
That’s too bad! I always “save up” my online orders so I’m spending enough to get free shipping. It makes me feel better… and it’s fun to get a big package. 🙂
lindsay says
i need to try TVP but soy is not a fan on my tummy and I am pretty sure i would get addicted. Maybe i’ll buy a little bit at a time. Gahh… drool
Laura says
You could do it with regular oats!
Life's a Bowl says
Yum! I’ve never had a stuffed something for breakfast but loved stuffed peppers, totally wanna try a sweet version! I definitely agree that nutmeg screams holiday season to me 🙂 They’re coming. so. soon. EEK!!!
Laura says
I know! It’s scary how this year has flown.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I wish I could have the TVP! You know I would do this! I love eating my oats with winter squashes (especially pumpkin and butternut)! Cinnamon and nutmeg scream fall to me and I simply love them!
Jessie says
Praying that this week flies by for you!! 🙂 🙂
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
I’ve never thought about making TVP other than savory. Very interesting.
Laura says
I SWEAR it’s good. 🙂
Meredith @ DareYouTo says
MMmmm looks positively scrumptious!
Alex @ therunwithin says
I just have been loving squash lately in all forms. This looks really good
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets says
You said, “they burst in your mouth.” Sorry, can’t stop laughing. Very inventive use of your squash.
Laura says
I was snickering like a little boy writing it. 😉
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
Ohhhhh, gotta try this! I always thought I didn’t like nutmeg up until 3 years ago. Now I live it and put it on everything!
Nadiya says
It’s really quite a shame that my family isn’t too big on squash (mainly because we have no car so it’s kind of hard to carry). I guess I will have to take the matter into my own hands 😛
Laura says
This is a little bitty squash… maybe easier to carry? 😉
Heather @ Better With Veggies says
How fun! I love food bowls and I still need to try your TVP oats – love this creative use. And love that last photo!
Laura says
I can make them for you next week! 🙂
thank you – Heather taught me the glories of Pic Monkey this weekend.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
Looking at all of your delicious TVP recipes makes me really wish that my stomach tolerated soy. Sadly, it doesn’t, BUT! at least I can still have my nutmeg 😀 I think that cinnamon would probably be my number 1 favorite winter spice, but nutmeg is pretty high up there as well.
Laura says
I have been hearing that a lot about soy… any of these TVP recipes would work with oats or quinoa. and cinnamon goes without saying! 😉
Kristina says
once I saw that you continued to eat your tvp – meal post competition, I knew I had to try it… I will soon! and I still have some roasted squash puree in my fridge – perhaps THIS is where I’ll start!
Laura says
You have to let me know when you do! I swear by it!
janet @ the taste space says
What a great idea, Laura! I am limiting my fruit and finding it hardest at breakfast. Squash with oatmeal for the win! 🙂
Laura says
I am in the same boat – breakfast seems to call for fruit. Sweet squash is a good alternative, and adding a few berries is a lighter option than banana/apple/etc.
Ed says
You know I am not a huge squash fan…in fact I never think of making it until I see something like this…may have to try it this weekend!
Laura says
Let me know if you do! I like squash best in unusual combos… with extra cinnamon.
Lot-O-Choc says
Oh yum yum! Im definitely gonna have to get myself some TVP. Im loving squash at the moment – ive eaten far too much of it over the past few days : kabocha, butternut squash and a new one ive found called crown prince! mmm too good!
Laura says
Crown Prince? I need to find that one!
Carol @ Lucky Zucca says
I still haven’t tried TVP oats!! Need to get on top of that. I have roasted acorn squash to put in my salad today!!
Alysha @ Shesontherun says
I love cinnamon and cloves. It brings me right to fall.
purelytwins says
love a lot of spices, right now obsessed with ginger and cardamom but cinnamon and nutmeg are up there too! can’t pick love them all haha
Laura says
Cardamom is one of my favorites too!
Laima @ Womensendurancegear.com says
Never tried TVP or squash for breakfast – looks delicious!
Kierston says
I have not tried TVP but all of your TVP pics make me drool every.single.time!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I am happy about this post for many reasons.
1) It is very similar to my taste profile today. Had we combined forces…well, I just don’t even want to think about that.
Yet.
2) You used kuri (kiri) squash. Totally underappreciated as a sweet potato-esque, milder kabocha, but with an easier to digest skin. [Not that I would have experience with this…]
3) I just like TVP oats. You were a genius with that one.
Laura says
1. Do you think the world could handle it?
2. Are Kiri and Kuri the same thing? The sticker said Kiri… I pulled it out of the trash to check. And duh – I always eat the skin. Waste not, want not!
3. That’s a big compliment coming from you! #loveyoulikenuttybutter
Karey @ Nutty About Health says
This is great! Now I know of another couple of uses for TVP… I made a squash casserole using it once, but was never sure what else to do with it. Your squash looks very tasty!!
My favorite winter spice is cinnamon… and then nutmeg. 🙂
Laura says
It’s also great in chili, or made into “chick-less” nuggets (I have a recipe on here somewhere…).
Thank you!
Kovas - 50 States Of Wine says
Had no idea TVP was microwaveable – great tip!
Laura says
OMG – I LOVE your blog name.
Lisa says
This is so creative and looks amazing! You make me want to try experimenting more with TVP. I’ve only had it about once or twice before!
Laura says
Thank you! It’s fun to play with… and best of all it’s not too expensive when you fail. LOL!
RavieNomNoms says
Love meatless Monday’s!! 😀
Laura @ LauraLivesLife says
I’m still afraid of TVP, but s soon s this semester is over, I’m determined to try it. I’ll hold you personally accountable if it fails… 🙂
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables says
That looks awesome!! I love pumpkin pie spice. I think that is my favorite “winter” spice.
Laura says
I had apple pie spice in my oatmeal tonight! Love the blends. And my Blends. Hahaha.
Choc Chip Uru says
TVP is such a delish ingredient 🙂
Thank you!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi) says
Damn, that looks good.
Laura says
Your creativity surprises me every week! Looks awesome, as usual!
Gena says
Such a creative and hearty recipe, Laura! Love it.
Laura says
Thank you so much! I’m a little obsessed with breakfast TVP. 🙂
Katerina says
Well, if you don’t get enough power to help you pass the day I don’t know what will!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli says
Mmm, yes, gotta love a good “burst” of fresh hot fruit mixed in! I’ve tried your other version of TVP oats where it was part TVP/part oats, but I’ll have to try the version that is just TVP…especially during the week when I’m working and really don’t want to have a lot of carbs before bed. And THANK GOD you can cook it in the microwave! Score!
Love nutmeg…definitely my favorite “winter spice”….and I agree, there’s no other way to go but with fresh!