Thicker oats are my personal favorite because they are much more hearty, satisfying, and warming compared to runnier oats.
In this guide, Ill show you my favorite techniques and ingredients to help you with thickening oatmeal and achieving the perfect texture.
When cooked correctly, oatmeal should have a hearty, slightly chewy texture and creamy consistency. It should never be watery or ‘gluey’. If the pot of oats you just made didn’t turn out, try adding one of the ingredients listed below to help absorb excess liquid, enhance the texture, and improve flavor.
Nutritional benefits of oatmeal
Oatmeal has a wide range of nutritional benefits which makes it a nutritious and wholesome breakfast choice.
Its notably rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and weight management, and contains heart-healthy beta-glucans that can lower cholesterol levels.
One of the secrets to achieving a thick bowl of oatmeal is to cook the oats long enough to release all of the starches.
Here are some shortcuts and quick methods to achieve perfectly thickened oatmeal on a time crunch.
These oats are pre-rolled and partially cooked, which means they require significantly less time to prepare compared to steel-cut oats.
Instant oats can be ready in just a few minutes compared to 10-15 minutes with rolled oats.
My favorite oatmeal recipe for busy mornings are overnight oats.
Overnight oats are my favorite way to prepare oats in a nutritious manner where they are ready to eat without any cooking required.
Soaking your oats overnight can also help with some of the breakdown with phytic acid, which can reduce mineral absorption and cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
I actually use my microwave to cook my oatmeal 99% of the time.
It is so much easier and works just as well as using the conventional stovetop, which requires stirring and more attention.
Simply combine oats and liquid in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until the oats are cooked to your desired thickness.
Dairy and yogurt products
Adding dairy products including yogurt or other milk early in the cooking process of oatmeal is a great way to create a creamier texture.
You can use dairy or non-dairy yogurt depending on your preferences.
In addition to the cooking process, you can also add yogurt as a creamy topping to add more protein and creaminess.
You can also use various fruits and vegetable purees, such as applesauce, pumpkin puree, mashed banana, to add thickness and flavor to oatmeal.
Mashed banana is my favorite natural thickener and sweetener. I love mashing a ripe banana and mix it into this single serving serving baked oatmeal because it mixes well to thicken the oats and also adds natural sweetness.
To use any of these purees, simply add them to your oatmeal during or after cooking, depending on your preference, and mix until well combined.
Huge Mistakes Everyone Makes With Oatmeal
FAQ
What consistency should oatmeal be?
Is watery or thick oatmeal better?
How do I know when oatmeal is done?
How can you tell if oatmeal is good?
Does oatmeal have to be this way?
Oatmeal doesn’t have to be this way. We talked to the BA Test Kitchen about the mistakes people are making when they make this hot breakfast cereal—and if you avoid them, you might even pass up that egg sandwich for a fragrant, steamy bowl of the healthy stuff. 1. Milk=Creamy Goodness
What is the best type of oatmeal?
The best type of oats depends on your goal and your personal taste, but in general, oat bran is the most complete option, as it contains more fiber, especially betaglucan, which has the ability to absorb water and regulate the intestine.
What does toasted oats taste like?
Once you cook and enjoy a bowl of oatmeal with toasted oats, you’ll notice a depth of flavor that untoasted oats simply don’t provide. The flavor is much like that of toasted granola, and even if you don’t add anything else to the oatmeal, it will taste warm, rich, and ultra-comforting. 3. Consider your cooking method
What sweetens a bowl of oatmeal?
It doesn’t have to be straight sugar, however — maple syrup, honey, agave, simple syrup, or even molasses will sweeten your bowl right up. On its own, oatmeal has a very neutral, bland flavor, so sweetening up your bowl will no doubt make it much more palatable.