How to Make Oatmeal

If you are looking to add something new to your breakfast menu, consider a bowl of oatmeal. Oatmeal is one of the best sources of fiber around, and can give you the boost you need every morning. There is a variety of options available in stores, ranging from instant to steel-cut. Whatever your preference, you can learn how to make oatmeal and start your day the right way.

Types of Oatmeal

All types of oatmeal are made from ground oats. The difference lies in how they are hulled and cut, which affects taste, nutrition and cooking time. Typical kinds of oatmeal include instant, rolled and steel-cut. Instant oatmeal is pre-cooked before it’s packaged to reduce cooking time. Rolled oatmeal is steamed and cut into flakes, while steel-cut is also steamed but not rolled. While instant oatmeal provides convenience with less cooking time, steel-cut oats are still the most nutritious.

Why You Should Know How to Make Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a champion source of both soluble and insoluble fiber and it has many benefits. It keeps you full longer than most foods and assists in appetite control. Fiber also regulates digestion. When your digestive system is at its best, blood sugar stays level and the metabolism is at its optimum. Here are 5 benefits of oatmeal.

Oatmeal has also been found to lower excess cholesterol. It can also reverse some of the effects of cholesterol by relieving clogged or stressed arteries. Research also proves that oatmeal can help those who suffer from high blood pressure and prevent a myriad of conditions.

How to Make Oatmeal at Home

Because different types of oatmeal have varying cooking times, learning how to make oatmeal depends on the type you prefer.

Instant Oatmeal:

This is by far the easiest kind of oatmeal to prepare. Because it is already pre-cooked, it can take under a minute to get ready. Instant oatmeal is sold by brand with varying cooking instructions. It is best to follow those instructions for best results.

Rolled Oatmeal:

When cooking rolled oatmeal, bring 3 cups of water dashed with a little salt to the boil. Stir in 4 servings of oatmeal into the pan and immediately reduce heat. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, remove it from stovetop and set aside for a couple of minutes before dishing out.

Steel-Cut Oatmeal:

To learn how to make oatmeal in a slow-cooker, add 2 cups of oatmeal to 6 cups of water. Throw in a teaspoon of salt and cook on high heat for 3-4 hours. A faster option is to combine 2 cups of steel-cut oatmeal, 4 cups of water and half a teaspoon of salt. Boil for 30 minutes and remove when oatmeal is tender. 2 cups of oatmeal can serve 6.

How to Add Flavor to Oatmeal

If you want to learn how to make oatmeal with a little flavor, all you have to do is cut up fresh fruit and add it to cooked oatmeal. You can add flavor with berries, apples, bananas, nuts, honey, milk and yoghurt.

A bowl of oatmeal every morning can make a big difference to your health. Its high fiber content and low calorie count can keep your stomach, arteries and weight in check. Knowing how to make oatmeal the right way depends on the kind you prefer. From instant to slow-cooking steel-cut oats, add the kind that best suits your lifestyle needs to your healthy diet.