I’m a savory breakfast kind of girl. While everyone doing overnight oats with chia seeds and berries, I’m over here making what basically amounts to an Americanized version of the Chinese breakfast porridge, congee – and it’s become my new hyper fixation.

This recipe is the perfect example of what I love about balanced eating: it takes a traditional American breakfast (oats) and gives it a twist that actually keeps you satisfied until lunch. We’re talking plenty of carbohydrates for energy, solid protein, and fiber to keep your gut happy.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 chicken sausage (chopped and sautéed)
• 1/4 cup cannellini beans (optional if you can’t tolerate beans)
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, diced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• Toppings: 1 soft-boiled egg, 1 scallion diced, chili oil if you’re feeling spicy
• Other toppings/ingredients I think would be SO good—shitake mushrooms (diced and cooked with the onion & garlic, microgreens, avocado, or sriracha to top it off)

How to make it: Cook the onion and garlic in sesame oil. Add the oats and vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for 3 minutes. Throw in the beans and sausage whenever (they’re already cooked, so timing doesn’t really matter). Add pepper and soy sauce to taste, then top with your soft-boiled egg, scallions, and a drizzle of chili oil.

Why This Bowl Kicks Butt Nutritionally

Let’s talk numbers because I’m a nerd like that:

• 516 calories
• 51g carbs (yay, sustained energy)
• 30g protein (actually full until lunch)
• 8.2g fiber (your gut will thank you)
• 21g fat (for satiety and nutrient absorption)

PLUS you’re getting all of the B-vitamins, tons of minerals, and 39% of your daily vitamin K, 16% of vitamin D, 21% of vitamin A, and 10% of vitamin C.

This is what I mean when I talk about building balanced meals – you’re getting all your macronutrients plus a solid micronutrient boost, and its actually a really delicious meal.

I know it seems weird if you’ve never tried savory oats before, but you HAVE to try this. It’s SO good, and I guarantee it’ll keep you fuller longer than whatever sugary breakfast you’re currently eating. Trust me on this one.