It’s amusing how oats in the U.S. have primarily been associated with sweet dishes. We typically enjoy them sweetened for breakfast or in delectable crumbly desserts. However, oats are equally versatile with savory flavors, just like any other grain. This savory oatmeal is a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Moreover, it offers countless possibilities for toppings and add-ins, allowing you to customize it based on the ingredients you have available. This might become your go-to affordable and effortless meal!
What Kind of Oats are Best for This Recipe?
While you can prepare savory oats using different types of oats, the provided recipe is specifically designed for old-fashioned rolled oats, which have a relatively quick cooking time of around 5 minutes. These oats strike a pleasant balance between texture and convenience. However, it’s worth noting that steel-cut oats require a longer cooking time and more liquid, while quick oats cook faster but lack substantial texture.
How to Flavor Savory Oatmeal
Oats, by themselves, possess a rather unexciting taste, which often leads to their negative reputation. To ensure your savory oatmeal bursts with flavor, consider these helpful tips:
Savory Oatmeal Topping Ideas
Aside from incorporating various ingredients into your oatmeal, there is a multitude of delightful toppings you can also add! Below, we have compiled a list of oatmeal topping suggestions for you to consider:
Can I Make it Ahead?
Absolutely! Savory oatmeal is perfect for meal prepping. The recipe card below allows you to easily modify the serving size, and the ingredients will adjust accordingly. Once cooked, divide your savory oatmeal into individual portions and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply microwave on high for approximately 2 minutes, making sure to stir halfway through. If the oatmeal appears too thick, a splash of water will do the trick.
Make it Vegan
To transform the following savory oatmeal recipe into a vegan version, replace the butter with your preferred cooking oil. Opting for coconut oil would be particularly delightful as it offers a creamy texture akin to butter.
How to Make Savory Oatmeal – Step by Step Photos
Start by mincing a single clove of garlic, grating approximately ½ tsp of fresh ginger, and slicing 3-4 mushrooms. Combine the garlic, ginger, and 1 teaspoon of butter in a small saucepan. Proceed to sauté the garlic and ginger in the butter over medium heat for around one minute.
Include the sliced mushrooms in the pan and cook for a few additional minutes, until they have become tender.
Pour one cup of vegetable broth into the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and allow the broth to reach a boiling point.
Once the broth starts boiling, incorporate ½ cup of old-fashioned rolled oats.
Once the broth reaches a boiling point again, lower the heat to medium-low and allow the oats to simmer for approximately 5 minutes, or until they thicken.
Once the oats are simmering, proceed to roughly chop a handful of spinach. Then, carefully stir the chopped spinach and ½ teaspoon of toasted sesame oil into the oats.
Try it out and season with salt, if necessary. Top it off with your preferred ingredients and savor the flavor!
An egg on top makes it even more delicious!
