Welcome to our guide on cooking perfect old fashioned oats at home. Oats have become a popular breakfast option due to their numerous health benefits, and the fact that they are easy and quick to prepare. With these simple steps, you are guaranteed a hearty and delicious bowl of oats to kickstart your day.
What are Old Fashioned Oats?
Old fashioned oats, also known as rolled oats, are a type of oatmeal made by steaming and flattening oat groats. The process helps to remove the husk and makes the oat more digestible. The result is a flatter and larger oat with a chewier texture compared to quick oats.
What Ingredients do you Need to Make Old Fashioned Oats?
The beauty of old fashioned oats is that you can customize them to your liking. However, some of the common ingredients you may need include:
- Old fashioned oats
- Water or milk
- Salt
You can also use various toppings such as fruits, nuts, and chocolate chips to add more flavor.
How to Cook Old Fashioned Oats
Step 1: The Ratio of Liquid to Oats
The first step in achieving perfect oats is by ensuring you have the right ratio of liquid to oats. A general rule of thumb is to use 2 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of oats.
Step 2: Boil the Water/Milk
Bring the water or milk in a pot to a boil. If you like your oats creamy, you can opt to use only milk or a combination of milk and water.
Step 3: Add Salt
Once the liquid is boiling, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the oats.
Step 4: Add the Oats
Once the salt has dissolved, lower the heat and add the old fashioned oats to the pot. Stir the oats to ensure they are well combined with the liquid.
Step 5: Cook Time
Allow the oats to cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer you cook the oats, the thicker they become. For softer oats, cook for the minimum time stated.
Step 6: Serve
Once fully cooked, remove the pot from heat and serve the oatmeal. You can add your favorite toppings to finish it off.
Tips for Cooking Perfect Oats
Tip 1: Use the Right Pot
Using the right pot can significantly affect the outcome of your oats. Ensure you use a large pot to avoid overflowing and burning the oats.
Tip 2: Don’t Overcook the Oats
Overcooking the oats makes them mushy and less flavorful. Ensure you keep an eye on the oats to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Tip 3: Use the right Water/Milk Ratio
Ensure you use the right amount of water or milk to prevent your oats from being too dry or too watery.
Tip 4: Add the Salt When the Liquid is Boiling
Adding salt to boiling liquid ensures that it dissolves easier hence enhancing the flavor of the oatmeal.
Tip 5: Customize Your Oatmeal
You can add various toppings and sweeteners to make your oats more flavorful. Popular toppings include honey, fruits, nuts, and chocolate chips.
| Old Fashioned Oats | Quick Oats | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Chewy and thick | Soft and mushy |
| Cook Time | 5-7 minutes | 1-2 minutes |
| Flavor | More nutty and wholesome | Less nutty and less flavorful |
The Nutritional Value of Old Fashioned Oats
Old fashioned oats are a great source of various nutrients including fiber, protein, and several vitamins and minerals. Below is a table showing the nutritional value of a single serving of old fashioned oats:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Carbs | 27 grams |
| Fiber | 4 grams |
| Protein | 5 grams |
| Fat | 2.5 grams |
| Iron | 10% of the Daily Value (DV) |
| Calcium | 2% of the DV |
FAQs
Below are some of the frequently asked questions about cooking old fashioned oats:
- How much water do I add to 1 cup of old fashioned oats?
The ratio of water to oats is 2:1. Therefore, for every cup of old fashioned oats, add 2 cups of water. - Can I cook old fashioned oats without milk?
Yes, you can cook oats without milk. You can opt to use only water or replace the milk with a plant-based milk such as almond milk. - How long does it take to cook old fashioned oats?
Old fashioned oats typically take 5-7 minutes to cook over low heat while stirring occasionally. - How do I store cooked oats?
Once cooked, store the oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. - Can I cook old fashioned oats in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook old fashioned oats in the microwave. However, this method may result in less flavorful oats compared to cooking on a stovetop.
Conclusion
Cooking old fashioned oats is an easy and quick process that can be customized to your liking. With the right ingredients and cooking tips, you can be guaranteed a hearty breakfast meal that is both nutritious and delicious.
References:
- https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/difference-between-quick-cooking-oldfashioned-oats-10186.html
- https://www.eatthis.com/oatmeal-nutrition/
- https://www.food.com/recipe/perfect-basic-oatmeal-311580