How to cook oatmeal: recipes using water, milk, benefits and harm

We'll show you how to prepare a delicious and healthy breakfast in just minutes. An ideal option for those who are constantly late!

For athletes and amateurs, in the evening or after waking up, the issue of preparing a tasty and healthy breakfast is relevant.

Oatmeal is considered a classic option, but how can you cook cereal quickly and uniquely? Is the ingredient suitable primarily for morning meals? Let's find out! An ideal option for those who are constantly late!

Do you play sports, follow your daily routine and dream of eating right? It's high time to start! A balanced diet maintains health and helps in building a toned figure.

Proper nutrition does not require a serious investment of time if you know what to cook. It is possible to eat nourishing, tasty and healthy meals while saving time and money. The question “how to cook oatmeal?” occurs in everyone who comes to proper nutrition.

In this article we will look at:

beneficial properties of the product;
several methods of heat treatment of cereals;
a selection of recipes or what else can be prepared from oatmeal besides porridge.

Oatmeal contains slow carbohydrates, which gradually give you energy and quickly give you a feeling of fullness. While simple carbohydrates break down and again deprive you of energy. Therefore, cereals are ideal to eat for breakfast or before a hard workout.

Additional useful properties:

stabilization of metabolism;
vitamins and microelements included;
source of fiber and vegetable protein;
reduction of bad cholesterol levels.

Cereals are suitable for people involved in sports. If your goal is to lose weight, you need to think about how to deliciously prepare oatmeal for weight loss. The finished dish contains a large portion of fiber, which will relieve the obsessive thought of eating cookies or a sandwich for a long time.

There are several types of cereals, the glycemic index of which is different:

Whole grain oatmeal retains its beneficial elements, but it is important to know how to prepare whole grain oatmeal correctly. Boiling time takes up to 30 minutes, which is not always appropriate when time is short. Glycemic index – 45-50.
rolled oats are more often found on store shelves. The grain passes through a press, which flattens the grain. The preservation of microelements is lower, but the cooking time is reduced. Glycemic index – 55-60.
instant cereals are more processed, the percentage of fiber is reduced, as are the beneficial properties of the ingredient. However, the porridge will be ready in 3-5 minutes after pouring boiling water. The glycemic index is the highest - 65.

It is almost impossible to cook oatmeal that is not healthy. Cereals are initially enriched with microelements; it is difficult to spoil the product. And if you use only healthy ingredients: fresh fruits and berries, milk and honey, then it’s completely impossible to make a mistake.

The following will help reduce the calorie content of the finished dish:

cook oatmeal in water or milk with a low fat content;
use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar and honey;
add berries, fruits.

Losing weight and maintaining a proper diet is a good thing, but starting the morning with bland oatmeal will unbalance even the most desperate follower of eating habits. Monotony and monotony frighten those who stick to a diet.

It’s just that following the canons of a healthy diet is easier than ever, since the neutrality of oatmeal is combined with both sweet and salty tastes. The grains seem to adapt to the taste of the additives, which reduces the chances of getting bored with the product.

Variety of components

When you're tired of your usual dish, you want to add a twist. A few ideas on what else you can cook oatmeal with:

plant milk – coconut, almond, soy, oat, rice;
juice is an unusual combination that gourmets will like. Apple and orange juice are often used;
mix with another type of cereal - quinoa, chia, bran, rice or rye flakes;
add protein - the ingredient will make the oatmeal not only tasty, but also enrich the final product with protein;
Yogurt or kefir instead of milk will help you prepare lazy oatmeal overnight in a jar or plate with a lid.

Non-trivial heat treatment methods

If everything is clear about how to cook oatmeal with water or milk, then stupor occurs with the method of temperature exposure. In addition to boiling with cereal, you can:

bake - bake cookies, make granola from oatmeal, the recipe for which is extremely simple;
add to raw food sweets;
prepare pies, muffins;
cook jelly, make milk;
lazy options without cooking;
prepare a side dish of oatmeal;
turn into flour using a blender and use in baking.

The question on the agenda is “how to cook tasty oatmeal?” Especially for those who do not have the opportunity to cook for a long time. Of course, you can throw the cereal into water or milk, but the result will be familiar, even boring.

Recommendations

In the mornings you don’t always have time to prepare breakfast, so you can consider instant porridge as an option. The bag of porridge should be poured into a plate and filled with hot water or milk. In just a few minutes the dish will be ready to eat.

This porridge is considered not the healthiest, since it contains various additives, so it is more suitable for trips when there really is no time and place for cooking.

The video explains how to cook oatmeal without cooking.

What to add to oatmeal for taste

Oatmeal will be more tasty and nutritious if you add the following ingredients:

berries;
pieces of fruit;
maple syrup;
dried fruits;
fruit puree;
nuts;
honey;
jam;
jam;
jam;
cottage cheese;
bitter chocolate;
fried onions and carrots;
greenery;
cinnamon;
turmeric;
condensed milk;
low-fat cheese;
feta cheese;
meat (chicken, beef);
olive oil.

Storage conditions

It is recommended to store oatmeal in a dry and dark place. After opening the package, pour the contents into a container with a tight-fitting lid.

The finished porridge can be stored in the refrigerator. First place the oatmeal in a container with a tight-fitting lid.

Porridge with water should be consumed within 2.5 days, oatmeal with milk - within 2 days.

Oatmeal is a tasty and healthy dish that can be prepared in many ways. In addition, dried fruits, honey or fresh fruits and berries are added to oatmeal, which makes the taste more pronounced.

Lazy chocolate oatmeal in a jar for breakfast

This option is also called “overnight” oatmeal, since it is prepared in the evening, left overnight in the refrigerator and does not require cooking.

Recipe No. 1. Oatmeal in a jar

chocolate oatmeal for breakfast
Method of preparation:

Pour long-cooking flakes and cocoa into the jar.
Peel the banana, cut into small cubes. Add to jar.
Pour in the yogurt and then the milk.
Close the jar with a lid and shake thoroughly so that the cocoa is evenly distributed in the container.
Place in the refrigerator overnight.

Ingredients: - oatmeal - 100 g; - yogurt without additives 1.5% - 100 g; — milk 1.5% — 100 ml; - cocoa powder - 1 tbsp. l.; – banana – 1 pc.

The porridge is not very sweet, because the only sweetener is banana. However healthy and tasty.

How to cook oatmeal

You need to be prepared right away that it takes a lot of time to prepare oatmeal. This kind of porridge cannot be quickly prepared for breakfast, especially if you don’t have free time.

Oatmeal porridge is prepared as follows:

Pour 2 cups of oatmeal with cold water.
Soak for 1.5–2 hours.
Drain the water.
Pour 4 cups of water into a saucepan and boil.
Add the cereal and bring to a boil.
Turn off the stove, cover the porridge with a lid and wait 2-3 hours until the porridge swells.
Place the cereal in a colander and make sure the water drains.
Place the cereal in boiling milk, add salt and cook until the porridge thickens.

California Style Oatmeal in the Microwave

The recipe for oatmeal in the microwave with soy sauce and avocado will appeal to gourmets and lovers of salty combinations.

Recipe No. 2. Oatmeal in the microwave

California style
Cooking method:

In a deep plate, pour the cereal with milk, water, and add soy sauce.
Place in the microwave and cover with a microwave-safe lid. Cook for 2 minutes at power 800.
Cut half an avocado into two parts. Puree one, cut the second into small cubes.
Add both types of avocado to the finished porridge, sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Ingredients: - long-cooked oat flakes - 80 g; – milk – 100 ml; – water – 60 ml; - soy sauce - 1 tsp; – avocado – ½ piece; – sesame – 1 tsp.

Garnish the finished dish with avocado slices. To obtain a more viscous oatmeal texture, add liquid in a 1:3 ratio.

Oatmeal with water for weight loss

Oatmeal helps you lose extra pounds. The point of the diet is to eat porridge in small portions throughout the day. If you decide to stick to a strict diet, then no supplements should be used. There is no limit in grams. You can eat any amount until you are full. Next meal only when you feel hungry. With this approach, the weight will quickly go away. In addition to oatmeal, you are allowed to drink plenty of liquids (water and green tea). Sugar cannot be used.

This diet is followed for three days. If you decide to stick to a weekly diet, then starting from the fourth day, add a few apples.

Ingredients:

water (boiling water) – 3 mugs;
oat flakes – 1 mug.

Preparation:

Pour boiling water over the cereal. Cover with a lid and leave for half an hour.
If desired, you can add salt to the dish.

Oat granola bars with dried apricots and flax seeds

An excellent healthy snack option.

Recipe No. 3. Oat granola bars

with dried apricots and flax seeds
Method of preparation:

Rinse dried apricots. If dried fruits are hard, then pre-soak them in boiling water for 10 minutes. Cut in small pieces.
Place oatmeal, flax seeds, bran, dried apricots, baking powder, and salt in a deep bowl. To stir thoroughly.
It is recommended to take liquid honey to prevent the product from heating. Pour gradually into the mixture along with the puree, stirring constantly. The mass should not be viscous or wet. If this happens, then oatmeal is added.
Cover the baking sheet with a sheet of baking paper and grease with vegetable oil. Compact the mixture evenly. Thickness 1 – 1.5 cm.
Place in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for 30 minutes.
After half an hour, take out the cake and mark the future bars with a sharp knife. Don't separate completely.
After cooling, cut to the end. The consistency of the final product resembles soft toffee.

Ingredients: - honey - 2.5 tbsp. l.; - long-cooked oatmeal - 1.5 cups; - flax seeds - 2 tbsp. l.; - dried apricots - 10 pcs.; - applesauce - 5 tbsp. l.; — bran – 25 g; - baking powder - ½ tsp; - salt - 1 pinch.

If there are any extra bars left over, you can freeze them. Cool at room temperature.

Oatmeal, date and apple cake

The cakes turn out moist, but very tasty and filling.

Recipe No. 4. Oatmeal cake

with dates and apples
Method of preparation:

Wash the apples, peel and core. Cut into small cubes.
Remove pits from dates. If the dried fruits are dry, then pre-soak them in boiling water for ten minutes. Cut in small pieces.
Wash the lemon, remove the zest, squeeze out the juice.
In a deep saucepan, heat lemon juice, half the zest, honey, cinnamon.
Add dates to the mixture, cook for 5 minutes over low heat. Remove from heat and let sit for five minutes.
Place apples, butter, oatmeal, flour, baking powder into a container.
Place the mixture in a baking dish no more than 3 cm thick. Sprinkle zest on top.
Place in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for 20 minutes.
Take out a baking sheet and mark the future cakes with a knife. Garnish each slice with a walnut. Return to the oven for another five to seven minutes.

Ingredients: - dates - 300 g; - sour apples - 3 pcs.; — coconut oil – 50 ml; - honey - 2 tbsp. l.; - oatmeal - 1 glass; - durum wheat flour - ½ cup; - baking powder - 2 tsp; — lemon – 1 pc.; - cinnamon - ½ tsp; – walnut – 25 g.

Coconut oil can be replaced with any vegetable oil without additives.

How to properly cook whole grain oatmeal

First you need to sort through the oatmeal and remove all spoiled grains. Then rinse the cereal 3-4 times. After this, you can start preparing the porridge.

Recipe for whole grain oatmeal with water:

Pour 2 cups of oatmeal with cold water and leave for several hours. It's better to soak overnight.
Drain and rinse oatmeal.
Pour 4 cups of cold water and cook over medium heat. Boil.
Reduce heat and cook for another 10–15 minutes.
Remove from the stove and cover with a lid.
Leave for 10–15 minutes.

Recipe for whole grain oatmeal with milk:

Pour 2 cups of oatmeal with cold water. Leave overnight.
In the morning, drain the water and rinse the oatmeal.
Pour 4 cups of milk into a saucepan and boil.
Add salt, add oatmeal and cook over medium heat until boiling.
Cover with a lid and simmer over low heat for 15–20 minutes.
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.

Oatmeal pancakes with zucchini

Option for a hearty breakfast or side dish.

Recipe No. 5. Oat pancakes

with zucchini
Method of preparation:

Grate the zucchini on a coarse grater. Squeeze.
Add the remaining ingredients and mix thoroughly. Leave for 10 minutes.
Fry on both sides in a well-heated non-stick frying pan without adding oil.

Ingredients: - oatmeal - 5 tbsp. l.; - oatmeal - 5 tbsp. l.; — young zucchini – 2 pcs.; — chicken egg – 1 pc.; - salt, spices - to taste.

Depending on taste or diet, olive oil is used during the frying process. Oat flour can be replaced with any other flour. You can also add garlic to the dough.

What are the benefits of oatmeal?

Eating oatmeal has a positive effect on metabolic processes and the digestive system.
Oatmeal also helps eliminate waste and toxins and helps normalize water-salt balance. The benefits are due to the rich composition:

phosphorus - strengthens bones, musculoskeletal system, teeth;
potassium - ensures the vital activity of all soft tissues;
manganese - takes part in cell development;
fluorine - strengthens bones, participates in the formation of enamel and hard tooth tissue;
iodine - participates in the metabolism of proteins and fats, regulates the metabolism of vitamins and the rate of biochemical reactions;
iron - helps transport oxygen from the lungs to muscles and organs, stimulates the production of hemoglobin, regulates body temperature;
zinc - strengthens the immune system, participates in cell metabolism, collagen formation, protein synthesis;
magnesium - promotes proper bone development, regulates heart rhythms, normalizes blood sugar levels;
calcium - strengthens teeth and bones;
amino acids - slow down the aging process, stimulate the immune system;
vegetable fats - prevent blood clots and inflammation, stimulate the immune system, promote digestion;
proteins - stimulate recovery processes, improve immunity, ensure the transport of nutrients to systems;
fiber - cleanses toxins, has antioxidant properties, lowers sugar levels;
B vitamins - participate in cell metabolism, activate the functioning of brain cells;
vitamin A - regulates the process of protein production, helps normalize metabolism, strengthens the immune system;
Vitamin E - activates the enrichment of blood with oxygen, promotes the normal functioning of organs and systems.

Flourless cottage cheese casserole with cherries

Cereals allow you to avoid using flour. The dish is low in calories, but delicious!

Recipe No. 6. Cottage cheese casserole

without flour with cherries
Method of preparation:

Heat the milk and pour over the oatmeal for 30 minutes.
Soak raisins in boiling water for 20 minutes.
Separately, beat the egg and cottage cheese with a blender, then combine. Add prepared oatmeal and stir.
Defrost the cherries and drain the liquid. Add to the mixture, mix thoroughly.
Stir in raisins, vanillin, sweetener.
Grease a baking dish with oil and add the mixture.
Place in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for 30-40 minutes. After 20 minutes of cooking, pierce the casserole in several places with a toothpick. This is necessary for even baking.

Ingredients: - cottage cheese 5% - 400 g; - long-cooked oat flakes - 100 g; — milk 1.5% — 250 ml; — chicken egg – 2 pcs.; — frozen pitted cherries – 200 g; – raisins – 30 g; - vanillin - on the tip of a knife; - sweetener - to taste.

The finished casserole can be sprinkled with coconut flakes and decorated with cherries.

Video on how to cook oatmeal quickly in the microwave

Bon appetit!

Instant cereal contains fewer vitamins and minerals due to processing during the manufacturing process. The glycemic index of such products is high and therefore the rate of digestion of carbohydrates and their conversion into sugar is high.

If you are watching your figure and health, then oatmeal should be made only from whole grain oatmeal. This is a cereal and visually it looks nothing like flakes. Also, if you want to monitor your health, but cook the cereal for too long, look for crushed cereal on the store shelves. It contains less fiber, but it is better than cereal cooked in 5 minutes.

Ingredients:

0.5 cups oatmeal;
250 ml water;
170 ml milk;
20 g butter;
sugar and salt to taste.

How to cook

Pour water over the slightly swollen oatmeal, place on the stove and cook until soft for about half an hour. Add a pinch of salt.

Boil milk and add to porridge. Immediately add granulated sugar, bring to a boil again and reduce heat. Simmer covered over low heat for about a quarter of an hour.

Add butter, stir and remove oatmeal from heat.

The finished dish can be additionally seasoned with cinnamon, berries or fruits. It turns out delicious with baked apples and pears. It is not advisable to use this dish in the diet of young children. Since whole oat grain contains coarse fiber, it can cause bloating and colic.

Oatmeal with coconut milk in a slow cooker

A multicooker will allow you to do parallel tasks while preparing an unusual porridge. Due to the fact that coconut milk is quite fatty, it is recommended to dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio.

Recipe No. 7. Oatmeal in a slow cooker

with coconut milk
Method of preparation:

Place the ingredients in the multicooker bowl.
Depending on the multicooker model, you need to select the desired mode - “milk porridge” (30 minutes), “oatmeal” (20 minutes).
After turning off, let it sit for 5 minutes.

Ingredients: - long-cooked oatmeal - 1 cup; — coconut milk – 1 glass; – water – 1 glass; - salt - 1 pinch.

If desired, berries, dried fruits, honey, and syrups are added.

Cereals can act as the main ingredient, or they can be an additional component of the dish. How to cook oatmeal is up to you! Focusing on lifestyle, goals and energy needs.

Bon appetit and be healthy!

Types of oatmeal

Oat flakes are divided into types according to the processing method:

“Hercules” - premium quality cereal (0.7 mm);
Petal - premium grade cereal (0.5 mm);
“Extra No. 1” - whole grain (less than 0.5 mm);
“Extra No. 2” - cut grain (less than 0.5 mm);
“Extra No. 3” - fine grain (less than 0.5 mm).

Whole grain porridge cooked in water is considered the healthiest. It is undesirable to eat oatmeal with milk, since milk fat removes the dietary fiber of oatmeal from the intestines.