Perfect Stovetop Oatmeal Every Time
Updated: Jan 9, 2021
The creamiest, delicious, and most nutritious way to prepare oats for a filling breakfast. Top with fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet finish.
Until a couple months ago, I swore by instant oatmeal. Why? It was convenient. When I just wanted a quick breakfast in the morning, I could grab a packet, empty it into a bowl, and add some milk or water. Pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, and it was done! It tasted pretty dang good, not gonna lie. But since then, I've been looking into alternatives, because there are a few downsides to instant oats.
First of all, instant oats are rolled oats' more processed, higher GI cousin. And that comes with a downside for your health: they are more processed, which can take your blood sugar levels higher. It's not a HUGE difference, but, hey, everything counts, right?
Secondly, those single-serve packets are horrible for the environment. One bag of rolled oats contains about 20-30 servings of oatmeal, and those packets? Each one individually wrapped with extra plastic, encased in MORE packaging, usually a box. And that only provides 8 servings. Especially in this day and age, we need to do everything we can for the environment.
Besides, in my opinion, although instant oatmeal does have a pretty decent texture, once you try stovetop rolled oats, you won't go back. There's just a creamy, wholesome taste that no instant packet can beat. Besides, it's good for you, so eat up!
Stovetop Oatmeal
Course: Breakfast
Author: Prachi Marfatia
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
1/2 cup dry rolled oats
3/4 - 1 cup water
1/2 -1 cup warm milk of choice(regular or plant-based), optional
Toppings, like fresh/dried fruit and/or nuts
Directions:
In a pot, bring the water to a boil(optionally, you can speed this up by microwaving it for a minute or two before pouring it in). It should take no more than 3 minutes. Once boiling, add the oats and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every couple minutes(this way it won't burn). Then transfer to a bowl, and while still hot, stir in the milk to achieve a consistency of your liking. Finally, stir in your toppings(unless you like plain oatmeal, of course) and enjoy!