Soaked Oatmeal (from Nourishing Days)

Photo credit Shannon.

I don’t really like oatmeal.

Yes, hot mushy cereal topped with brown sugar sounds all homey and nostalgic, and I admit to periodically craving a big bowl of gooey memories. Nevertheless, I usually eat it because it’s an inexpensive way to get some whole grains into my system.

Choosing to eat oatmeal even when I don’t want to has taught me self-discipline. Pop tarts and cold cereal look so much tastier sometimes, but long term I know I’ll appreciate eating more oatmeal than frosted flakes in my life. (Not to say that I don’t indulge in frosted flakes every now and then.) My grocery budget also appreciates me eating oatmeal, because let’s face it: even with coupons and a sale, it’s hard to beat the price of homemade oatmeal.

I’ve also learned to be creative in how I cook and flavor oatmeal. I know, how many different ways can there possibly be to cook oatmeal?

Nevertheless, I’ve been really happy with the recipe for soaked oatmeal shared by Shannon from Nourishing Days. Apparently soaking the oatmeal helps break down the grains and make the nutrients more accessible to our bodies. (To learn more about soaked grains, visit here at Kitchen Stewardship and here at Nourishing Days.)

I tweaked Shannon’s recipe a little in order to fit what I had: left out the chia seeds and threw in ½ T. of wheat bran (I’ve heard soaking it makes it even better for you). To flavor it, I used coconut oil, honey, and a little brown sugar. Delish.

When you open the jar after soaking it overnight, it has a slightly acidic smell. Don’t freak out. Remember I’ve had this oatmeal several times, and I’m still alive and kicking and happy with it. Soaking the oatmeal seemed to remove that nasty mealy taste you get if you accidently undercook the oats, and I think they cooked quicker!

Shannon, I’m a fan now. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

I think I’ll make some oatmeal for tomorrow’s breakfast.

Now it’s your turn! Do you like oatmeal? Do you have a favorite way to cook it? Favorite way to flavor it?