Slow Mornings & Spiced Oatmeal Pancakes

A Nourishing Ritual for the Cooler Seasons

There’s something sacred about the pace of a slow morning when the air is crisp, the sun filters gently through the curtains, and the kitchen becomes a sanctuary of warmth and aroma. On days like this, I find myself reaching for grounding foods that soothe the belly and awaken the senses. These Spiced Oatmeal Pancakes have become a favorite.

Made with soaked oats, warming spices, and just a few pantry staples, they strike that beautiful balance between hearty and light. The process itself is meditative, like soaking the oats for easy digestion, blending the batter with intention, and standing over the skillet as the scent of cinnamon and clove begins to dance through the air.

This recipe honors the Ayurvedic wisdom of eating seasonally and mindfully. The spices cinnamon, clove, and allspice gently kindle agni (our digestive fire), supporting circulation and warmth during chilly mornings or transitions between seasons. The oats, softened through soaking, offer nourishment without heaviness. A perfect choice for a vata or pitta morning.

Here’s how to bring this comfort into your kitchen:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

• ½ cup flour (whole wheat, spelt, or gluten-free)

• 2 eggs

• 2 tbsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of clove powder

• Pinch of allspice

• 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for cooking)

Preparation:

1. Soak the oats in milk for 15–30 minutes, allowing them to soften and swell. This step makes the pancakes digestively gentle and texturally rich.

2. In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.

3. Combine the batter by whisking eggs and olive oil into the soaked oats, then folding in the dry mix until just incorporated.

4. On a warm skillet brushed with oil, pour ¼ cup batter per pancake. Cook 2–3 minutes per side, flipping when bubbles form and edges firm up.

5. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like seasonal fruit, ghee, nut butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, or check out our cherry syrup recipe! For a grounding Ayurvedic twist, try stewed apples and a dusting of cardamom.

Whether you're sharing a quiet breakfast with someone you love or treating yourself to a moment of nourishment, let these pancakes be more than a meal. Let them be a ritual and a way to root yourself in the moment, to slow down, and to remember that nourishment can be simple, spiced, and soul-deep.