Bircher Muesli Recipe

Bircher Muesli Recipe

Bircher muesli is a popular Swiss breakfast dish that typically consists of rolled oats soaked overnight in milk and/or yogurt, along with grated or chopped fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, and sometimes sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. It was developed by Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Brenner in the late 19th century as a healthy meal for his patients.

So, how do you partake in this culinary masterpiece? Well, there are two paths laid before you, each leading to the same delectable destination.

The Old-Fashioned Way: Overnight Soaking

Picture this: a bowl of rolled or jumbo oats, patiently awaiting their transformation. You immerse them in liquid – milk, yogurt, perhaps a touch of honey – and let them rest overnight. As you slumber, these oats soften, absorbing the flavors around them. Come morning, you're greeted with a creamy concoction, ready to be adorned with your favorite toppings.

Bircher muesli can be made with either rolled oats or jumbo oats, depending on your preference and the texture you desire.

Rolled oats: These oats are flattened during processing, resulting in a thinner, flatter shape. Rolled oats tend to soak up liquid more quickly compared to jumbo oats, which means your Bircher muesli may have a softer texture. They are a popular choice for making Bircher muesli because they soften relatively quickly during the soaking process. 

Jumbo oats: Also known as "old-fashioned oats" or "whole rolled oats," jumbo oats are less processed than rolled oats. They retain their larger, thicker shape, which gives them a chewier texture compared to rolled oats. If you prefer a heartier, more textured Bircher muesli, jumbo oats might be the better choice for you.

Both types of oats will work well in Bircher muesli, so feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand. Additionally, you can even mix the two types of oats together for a blend of textures. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the texture you enjoy in your muesli.

The Modern Twist: Pre-Packaged Convenience

Now, let's fast forward a bit. You're short on time, but your craving for Bircher muesli remains steadfast. Fear not! Enter the pre-packaged Fruit muesli, a marvel of modern convenience. These oats have been pre-toasted or pre-steamed, primed and ready for consumption straight out of the packet. No overnight soaking required – just add milk or yogurt, and voila! Your breakfast dreams come true in a matter of minutes.

This recipe will break down how to make the delectable Bircher Muesli:

Prep Time: 5 mins

Chill Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 5 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats or jumbo oats
• 1 cup milk (or non-dairy milk like almond milk)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 apple, grated (leave the skin on for added fiber)
• 1/4 cup raisins*
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup*
• Fresh fruits berries and peach slices for topping*
• Additional nuts or seeds for topping*

 * This recipe is very customisable you can alter the sweetness or toppings. This recipe will just show you my preference however, feel free to add or get rid of whatever you want. It's a versatile dish that you can adapt to suit your liking. 

Instruction:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, milk, and yogurt. Stir well to combine.
2. Add the grated apple, raisins, chopped walnuts, lemon juice, and honey or maple syrup (if using). Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the oats to soak up the liquid and soften.
4. Before serving, give the muesli a good stir. If it's too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
5. Serve the Bircher muesli topped with fresh berries and peach slices
6. Enjoy your refreshing and nutritious Bircher muesli for breakfast!