On a chilly morning, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of creamy oatmeal—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re in a rush or have the luxury of time, these oatmeal recipes promise to be your breakfast muse, making you forget the world outside, even if just for a moment. And, with flavors that remind you of grandma’s kitchen, they might just become your new secret indulgence.
Steps
- Select Your Oats: Choose between whole oat groats, steel cut oats, old-fashioned oats, or quick oats depending on your preference for texture and cooking time.
- Stovetop Method: Combine water, old-fashioned oats, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture reaches a boil.
- Simmer and Thicken: Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 2 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oatmeal reaches your desired thickness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the oatmeal stand for a minute. Serve with your choice of toppings.
- Microwave Method: In a deep, microwave-safe bowl, mix water, oats, and salt. Microwave for 90 seconds, then stir.
- Continue to Cook: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until the oats absorb most of the water, typically 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- Final Touches: Let the oatmeal rest for a minute. Customize with toppings such as fresh or dried fruits, nuts, nut butter, sweeteners, and spices.
- Creamier Option: For a creamier texture, replace half the water with milk or a non-dairy alternative.
- Topping Suggestions: Add combinations like apple slices with tart cherries and almonds, or blueberries with orange zest, yogurt, chia seeds, and coconut flakes.
Ingredients
- Water: 2 cups (for old-fashioned oats)
- Old-fashioned oats: 1 cup
- Salt: a dash
- Thinly sliced apple
- Frozen tart cherries, thawed
- Chopped almonds
- Blueberries
- Orange zest
- Greek yogurt
- Chia seeds
- Coconut flakes
- Honey or maple syrup
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or cardamom (for flavoring)
FAQ
- What types of oats can I use for making oatmeal?
- There are four main types of oats you can use: whole oat groats, steel cut oats, old-fashioned oats, and quick oats. Each type has a different texture and cooking time, with whole oat groats being the least processed and requiring the longest cooking time.
- How do I make oatmeal on the stovetop?
- To make stovetop oatmeal, combine water, old-fashioned oats, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 5 minutes until the oatmeal is thick and creamy.
- Can I prepare oatmeal in the microwave?
- Yes, you can make oatmeal in the microwave by mixing water, oats, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 90 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until the oats have absorbed most of the water. Let it stand for a minute before serving.
- What are some tasty topping ideas for oatmeal?
- You can enhance your oatmeal with toppings like fresh or dried fruits, nut butters, toasted nuts or seeds, sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, spices such as cinnamon or cardamom, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- How can I make my oatmeal creamier?
- For creamier oatmeal, you can replace half of the water with milk, choosing from regular milk or non-dairy options like almond or oat milk.
Tips
- Choose the Right Oats: Familiarize yourself with the different types of oats available, such as whole oat groats, steel cut oats, old fashioned oats, and quick oats. Each type has a unique texture and cooking time, so select the one that best suits your preference and schedule.
- Enhance Flavor with Salt: When cooking oatmeal, add a pinch of salt. This simple addition enhances the oats’ natural nutty flavor, making your breakfast more enjoyable. For an added flavor boost, consider incorporating a touch of maple syrup or honey.
- Experiment with Creaminess: For a creamier oatmeal, substitute half of the water with milk. You can use regular milk or opt for non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk to achieve a richer texture.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Elevate your oatmeal by experimenting with various toppings. Fresh or dried fruits, nut butter, toasted nuts or seeds, and warm spices can add exciting flavors and textures to your breakfast. Don’t shy away from sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl – for making oatmeal in the microwave.
- Small saucepan – for making oatmeal on the stovetop.
- Chia seeds – as a topping option, if not already available at home.
- Cardamom – as a spice option, if not already available at home.
