Do you want to start your day with a tasty, healthy breakfast? Oatmeal is a great choice! This article will teach you:
- The difference between types of oats
- Easy ways to cook oatmeal on the stove or in the microwave
- Fun toppings and flavor ideas to make oatmeal taste amazing
Eating a bowl of oatmeal is a nutritious way to fuel your morning. Are you ready to learn how to make it? Let’s get started!
What Are the Different Kinds of Oats?
There are a few main types of oats you can use for making oatmeal:
Quick Oats – These oats are cut into very small pieces, so they cook fast. Quick oats have little texture.
Old-Fashioned Oats – Also called rolled oats, these are flat and take a bit longer to cook. Old-fashioned oats have a heartier, chewier texture.
Steel-Cut OatsโThese thick oat pieces have a nutty flavor and chewy bite. They take the longest to prepare.
Quick oats or old-fashioned oats are good options for an easy, everyday breakfast. Steel-cut oats make a denser, more rustic oatmeal.
How to Cook Oatmeal on the Stove
Photo Credit – Freepik
One way to make oatmeal is on the stovetop. Here are the basic steps:
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of oats with 2 cups of liquid (water, milk, or a mix).
- Add a pinch of salt if you’d like.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the oats are soft and the liquid is absorbed. This takes about 5 minutes for quick oats or 10-15 minutes for old-fashioned.
Cooking oats on the stove allows you to easily control the consistency by adding more liquid for a thinner texture or cooking longer for thicker oatmeal. The downside is that it requires constant stirring.
Easy Microwave Oatmeal
If you’re short on time in the morning, you can quickly make oatmeal in the microwave! Here’s how:
- Mix 1/2 cup of oats with 1 cup of liquid in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Cook for 2 minutes on high for quick oats or 2 1/2 minutes for old-fashioned oats.
- Let sit for 1 minute, then stir and enjoy!
Microwave oatmeal is super convenient when you’re in a hurry. Just be careful not to overcook it, or it can dry out.
Fun Topping Ideas to Make Oatmeal Taste Great
Once you’ve cooked up a warm bowl of oats, you can keep it plain or get creative with some yummy toppings:
- Fruit – Fresh or dried fruit like berries, bananas, apples or raisins
- Nuts & Seeds – Almonds, walnuts, pecans, chia or flaxseeds add crunch
- Sweet – Drizzle with honey, maple syrup or sprinkle brown sugar
- Savory – Top with cheese, cooked eggs, or tomatoes for a non-sweet version
- Mix-Ins – Stir in nut butter, yogurt, and spices like cinnamon or protein powder
You can customize your oatmeal with different mix-in ingredients and toppings. Have fun experimenting to find your favorite flavor combinations!
In Conclusion
Making oatmeal from scratch is budget-friendly, nutritious, and doesn’t have to be complicated. You can whip up this wholesome breakfast with a few simple ingredients and cooking methods in no time. Do you have a go-to oatmeal recipe? What’s your preferred way to cook the oats?
Photo Credit – Freepik
