Pan-Seared Oatmeal with Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Recipe - Rachel Cooks® (2024)

FAQs

What is the cooking method for oatmeal? ›

Bring water or milk to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in oats, reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes or until oats are of desired texture.

I'll be the first to admit that plain oatmeal usually isn't filling enough for a meal unless you pair it with a little protein and some healthy fats. For added protein, I like making one of my protein oatmeal recipes, savory oats (with an egg on top) or serving it with a couple hardboiled eggs on the side.

High-sugar toppings like chocolate, syrup, and dried fruit

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

Complex carbs are still carbs, and they can lead to a blood sugar spike if you don't balance them out with other macronutrients. (Think protein and fat.) Plus, certain oat products, like instant oats, contain less fiber and protein than other varieties, and may contribute to an even greater sugar spike.

The Bottom Line

Oatmeal's high fiber content and prebiotic qualities may benefit your body in more ways than one. Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Soaking not only softens the oats, but it also makes them more tender, quicker to cook, and easier to digest. In a side-by-side comparison, we found that unsoaked oats lacked that fluffy, creamy texture soaked oats provide. So, from here on out, we'll be soaking. Once they're soaked, it's time to cook.

Steel-cut oats, also called Irish oatmeal, are the whole oat kernel that has been cut into two or three pieces using steel disks. This type of oats contains the highest amount of fiber, as it is least processed. Steel-cut oats take a little longer to cook, and result in a creamy and chewy porridge.

In this combo, the oatmeal gives you complex carbs and fiber, keeps your blood sugar under control, and helps maintain an ideal balance of bacteria in your gut. The nut butter adds protein and healthy fats. The fruit tops it off with fiber and vitamins, plus it gives your breakfast a sweet taste.

Some people may prefer to cook oats with water, especially those who are lactose intolerant to avoid any digestive issues. For those who can consume dairy, using milk can enhance the overall flavor, protein content, and creaminess of an oatmeal bowl compared to using water.

"By eating oatmeal every day, you can lower your total cholesterol level, reduce the 'bad' LDL cholesterol, and increase your 'good' HDL cholesterol levels," says Megan Byrd, RD, The Oregon Dietitian.

Can diabetics eat oatmeal daily? ›

In moderation, oats can be a healthful regular addition to a diet for people with diabetes. However, there is no one-size-fits-all diet for diabetes, and people should monitor their blood sugar levels when eating oats to decide if they are the right choice. Steel-cut or rolled whole grain oats are best.

Combine water (or milk) and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Stir in oats and reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes.

Microwaving. (I know, surprising, right?) Although the microwave gets vilified for sapping nutrients out of some foods and leaving others crusty and dry, it has no such effects on oats. In fact, microwaving is a super-simple, lightning-fast way to get breakfast on the table, stat.

“Ideally, opt to create plain oatmeal with your added sources of flavor and ingredients such as fruit with a teaspoon of peanut butter.” Cording says that oatmeal's ability to help with weight loss really depends on what you eat it with. “You want to make sure you incorporate some protein and fat,” she says.

Oatmeal is usually tastier with milk than water because milk adds creaminess and flavor. Some people may prefer to cook oats with water, especially those who are lactose intolerant to avoid any digestive issues.