I hate oatmeal. All my life, my mom tried to cook oatmeal for me a variety of ways, so I would eat it. For me, it is a consistency, texture thing. I think oatmeal's sticky texture is like baby food. Although I know some people love and appreciate baby food, I am not a fan. Mushy just isn't good.
I have tried Steel Cut Oats, Scottish Oats, Rolled Oats, and Quick Oats. Despite my attempts, I finally have discovered a recipe for oatmeal I actually appreciate and am starting to enjoy. Although my own ignorance is to blame for my inability to prepare simple oatmeal, I finally mastered oatmeal I can eat.
Steel-cut oats are a "power food" because it is an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Steel-cut oats are dense and chewy as a result of being passed through sharp, steel blades that cut them into thin slices that help retain more fiber and protein.
What's my secret? Equal water to equal Oats, and 5 minutes. That's all it takes. Of course, once it's done, I add my favorite fruit and a little organic pure maple syrup.
There is a little trick to my oatmeal madness. You need to add salt to the water, make sure the water is boiling, add the oats, stir, reduce heat, and DO NOT COVER. 5 minutes later, you will have my version of perfect oatmeal.
A typical serving of oatmeal is ½ cup prepared. So, I make 2 cups oatmeal with 2 cups water, and I divide the oatmeal into ½ cup servings in containers for a quick reheat, fruit addition, and maple syrup drizzle.
After years of failed attempts, I finally mastered my oatmeal demon. If you are an "oatmeal hater," give it a try.
Hi! My name is Kathy, I am a retired high school English teacher & vegan enthusiast and blogger. My entire blog is fully plant-based vegan. I truly believe what we eat & how we live determines our health & the preservation of our planet! 🙂
Nancy
Maybe I'm really stupid, but I can't find an actual recipe in this article. I don't see an ingredient list or a definition of how to do it except in the prose in the body of the article… I'm gonna try to make it from that, but it was a little confusing.
Kathy Carmichael
Nancy, you are not stupid. There is something wrong with the WordPress site; I have contacted tech to fix it. Thank you for letting me know. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Monica
to be sure I have the consistency right, are the oats more separated and less of a "porridgy" look?
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Monica, no; the oats are drier and thicker, not runny. I hope that answers your question.
Ken Morehouse
I am one that has tried for over 40 years to want to like oatmeal but have never gotten past the texture.
I recently found a recipe with rolled oats that make more of a cereal type outcome. It is a 2:1 ratio of oats to water, and you toast the oats in the pan first and boil the water before adding it to the oats. I eat this version daily and regularly have them savory with greens and an egg, chicken, or tempeh.
I've been looking for something similar to do with steel cut oats, as I'd rather have them for the longer digestion and sugar control.
I will be trying these out soon.
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Ken, thanks for the suggestions. I'm sure we aren't the only ones to struggle with oatmeal. I appreciate your feedback. Let me know if you enjoy the recipe or create a recipe we can all enjoy!
Ken
I tried this and loved it! I actually increased the water slightly to make them a bit less dry, but still chewy and not at mushy. I had 1 3/4 cups of oats left this morning and used 2 cups of water.
I did some sauteed mushrooms and spinach the other morning and adding a bit of GF ponzu sauce.
This morning I have it sweet with some left over tropical fruit salad with a lime/mint syrup.
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Ken, I love the savory oatmeal idea. I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for your feedback.
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Ken, I love the savory oatmeal idea. I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks for your feedback.
Katherine
Would toasting the oats a bit first before cooking them help improve the flavour?
Kathy Carmichael
Hi Katherine, I haven't tried that, but it sounds like a great idea. I think it might even make it so I like it more. I just can't eat mushy oatmeal hahah. Thank you for the suggestion. I appreciate it.
Addy
I usually try oatmeal a couple times of year. I desperately want to like it because of how healthy, filling, easy, and affordable it can be, however I can never get past the texture of it. I made it using your method and was actually able to finish my entire bowl, which has never happened! I stirred in some peanut butter and topped it with a chopped apple and a sprinkle of cinnamon. I'm already planning on having it for breakfast a couple of times this coming week!
Kathy Carmichael
I'm so glad you liked it. I struggle with it too, but I actually like it now.
diana anderson
Thank you. Will give it a try. Like you I'm not an oatmeal lover. Adding salt to the water and sweetening with maple syrup and fresh fruit sounds great.
Kathy Carmichael
I was surprised. I have tried everything. I was so happy to finally find a way I like it. I usually just eat smoothie. I was hoping to mix it up.