Oatmeal Bowls: 10 -15 minutes (15 minutes cooking time for 1 serving)

There is nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of oats. Many of my mornings as child included a bowl of oatmeal. My mother would add sugar and a pat of butter right on top. Now I’ve gotten creative with how I make my oats. With so many varieties of plant based milk, you can control the level of sweetness and up the nutrition factor too.

Oats are in general good for you and the variety matters when it comes to cooking time and taste. Oats are packed with soluble fiber and micronutrients. When it comes to picking which kind, it’s all about preference and time. All varieties retain similar nutritional benefits.

Steel-Cut Oats: Least processed, chewy texture, take longer to cook.

Old-Fashioned/Rolled Oats: Steamed and rolled flat, cook faster, good for a chewy texture.

Quick-Cooking Oats: Cut smaller and rolled thinner, cook very quickly, softer texture.

Instant Oats: Most processed, pre-cooked and dried, fastest cooking, mushier texture.

Not a fan of a sweet breakfast? You can make a savory version too! The change will be to the base: using broth or stock instead of water or milk. I add protein by topping with scrabbled eggs and carmelized onions.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup water or plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat)
• 1/2 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen, e.g., blueberries, raspberries)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flaxseeds (for extra fiber!)
• 1/4 cup mixed nuts or seeds (e.g., almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)

Ingredients for Savory Oatmeal Base:

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats (or steel-cut oats for a chewier texture, though they’ll take longer than 10 mins)
• 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth (instead of water or milk)
• Pinch of salt (to taste)
• Dash of black pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Combine & Cook: In a small saucepan, combine oats and water/milk/stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until oats are creamy and liquid is absorbed. If using frozen berries, add them during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
2. Stir & Serve: Remove from heat. Stir in chia seeds/flaxseeds and cinnamon (if using).
3. Top: Pour into a bowl and top with mixed berries and nuts/seeds. Drizzle with maple syrup/honey if desired. For savory, try adding cooked spinach or kale, sautéed mushrooms, or carmelized onions.