OAT

In this series, we spotlight the boundless potential of a single ingredient.

Los Angeles-based head baker, co-owner of Friends & Family (the bakery and café focuses on breads, pastries, and savory dishes made with whole, heirloom grains, thoughtfully-sourced dairy and meats, and seasonal fruits and vegetables), and author (her first cookbook Mother Grains: Recipes for the Grain Revolution is coming out on April 20, 2021), Roxana Jullapat crafted a delectable take on overnight oats. Oats are a great source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Studies show that oats’ benefits include weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and a reduced risk of heart disease.

Chef:  Roxana Jullapat 

Instagram:  @roxanajullapat / Friends and Family

3 go-to ingredients that double as immunity:  Lemon is a magical ingredient that provides vitamin C and promotes your body’s natural cleansing processes. I put in on everything. A few drops in a hot cup of water in the morning, on my salad with copious olive oil, and in my baking to brighten up a cake or a muffin. Coffee is my love language. A warm cup in the morning signals to my body that everything will be all right. Besides the positive mental health effects and improved energy levels, it is full of antioxidants and promotes digestion. I like to add coffee or coffee extract to recipes that also call for chocolate. Talk about an energy-boosting duo. Olive oil is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and heart health benefits. It is also delicious and versatile. I use it in cooking and baking extensively, but also to lather my hands after a long day of bread making.   

Must-have ingredient that delivers an energy boost: Natural cocoa is not only decadent and delicious, it is also known for its nutritional density. Mixed with vegan milk and a touch of stevia, it is my favorite recovery drink after a long hike or run. 

Ultimate comfort food:  Toast in the morning made with killer whole-grain sourdough bread and chunky nut butter. Sprinkle with sea salt, flax seeds, or even top with a few slices of banana—best way to start the day.    

Favorite healing ingredient:  Honey. As a mild asthma sufferer, whenever I feel symptoms coming, I blend a generous tablespoon of honey with a few drops of lemon juice. My entire respiratory system feels the relief.    

Beauty mantra: Hydration is everything. Drink plenty of water and eat water-rich foods, but also moisturize properly every morning.    

Excepted from “Mother Grains: Recipes for the Grain Revolution.” Copyright © 2021 by Roxana Jullapat. With permission from the publisher W.W. Norton & Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

LEAH’S OVERNIGHT OATS 

"I chose oats because it is a perfect metaphor for my whole grain devotion. It is a workhorse, humble ingredient that can transform itself in the most unexpected ways to nourish us with many delicious manifestations."

Combine the oats, seeds, coconut, salt, spices, and date in a 12-ounce glass jar. Add enough oat milk to cover the oat mixture. Cover the jar with its lid and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, add 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt (if using) and 1 tablespoon maple syrup and give it a good stir. Taste and add more to taste. Finish with almond butter and fresh fruit if desired. Eat immediately. Tasty, right? You could make habit of overnight oats. Later in the day, don’t forget to prep your oats for the following morning.

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