Oatmeal for Breakfast Six Ways
Hot oatmeal for breakfast is a healthy, thrifty, easy way to start the day. Many people love it just boiled in water with a bit of salt or sugar. But if you too were traumatized by being forced to eat oatmeal as a child, you may find that the more strongly flavored mix-ins and toppings suggested below will help you rediscover this useful breakfast option. For example, use saved bean broth and pasta water to make oatmeal. You'll be making use of good flavors and nutrients that otherwise might go down the drain.
Why bother? Oatmeal is a whole-grain food that contains a soluble fiber that may lower your bad cholesterol (LDL), not change your good cholesterol (HDL), reduce your chances of heart disease, and help you control your weight. Nutritionist Jane Brody called oatmeal "the nutritional Cadillac among grains" back when that was a good thing — high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It's inexpensive and lasts a long time on the shelf.
Active time: 7 minutes. Total time: 15 minutes. Makes 4 servings.
Ingredients
2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant)
4 1/2 cups water or broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins and toppings (pick one set):
- Mix in 1/4 cup tahini and top with 1/4 cup chopped spring onions. Season with chipotle hot sauce, salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook oats in bean broth instead of water. Top with 1 cup diced ripe tomatoes.
- Cook oats in saved pasta water instead of plain water. Mix in 1/4 cup tahini and top with 1 cup diced ripe tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of snipped fresh chives.
- Mix in 1/2 cup peanut butter and 1/2 cup raisins. Season with chipotle hot sauce and salt.
- Cut 1/2 cup dried plums in half and cook with oatmeal. Top with 1/4 cup chopped walnuts.
- Mix in 4 ounces shredded or cubed cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons butter.
Method
- In medium saucepan, bring oatmeal, water or broth, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil over medium heat. If using dried plums, cook them with oatmeal mixture. Turn heat down to low so oatmeal barely boils and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, cover, and let finish cooking for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare one set of mix-ins and toppings. When oatmeal is done cooking, mix in and top as appropriate. Serve immediately.
Tips and notes
- The version made with bean broth and topped with tomatoes is my favorite. I've had it as a quick and filling main course for dinner, too, with or without grated cheddar cheese on top.
- The version made with saved pasta water is a close second, especially if when the pasta water was swished around to pick up traces of pesto.
- Avoid the packaging and sugar of individually packaged instant oatmeal packets.
- If you are watching your cholesterol, go for the options with bean broth, tahini, and peanut butter instead of cheese and butter.
- See Jane Brody's Good Food Book for lots more on oats and oatmeal.
