Chef

Oatmeal is a quick and wholesome breakfast option. It’s also a fun way to be creative in the kitchen and explore new flavor combinations. With a few tips, you can create your own filling, nourishing bowl of oatmeal in minutes.

Step 1. We’ll start with about 1/2 cup of your favorite type of oats. Old fashioned oats are the type you may be most familiar with and are the perfect option for any bowl of oatmeal. Steel cut oats have a nutty, chewy texture, but will take much longer to cook, while instant oats will cook up fast but often become mushy.

Step 2. Add about 1 cup of liquid. Milk, almond milk, oat milk, and coconut milk are all great options! Look for unsweetened varieties for no added sugar.

Step 3. Let’s add some fruit to sweeten things up! Pick 1 – 2 cups of your favorite fruit to add to your bowl. Bananas, apples, pears, or berries are all great options!

Step 4. Add about 1/4 cup vegetables. Before you say, “No way!”, vegetables are a great way to add volume, nutrients, and fiber to your oatmeal. Plus, you really can’t tastes them! Pureed pumpkin, shredded zucchini, or shredded carrots are all great ways to add in some extra vegetables.

Step 5. Add about 2 Tablespoons of healthy fats. Chopped nuts or seeds such as walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds will add a nice crunch to your bowl while nut butters will add a creamy, subtly sweet flavor.

Step 6. Protein in a bowl of oatmeal can surprisingly add up! The oats, nuts, and nut butters all contain plant-based sources of protein to help build strong muscles and keep us full. To add even more protein and a creamier texture, try adding a small dollop of Greek yogurt.

For more delicious oatmeal recipes, visit chefsa.org/recipes.