Oatmeal can be prepared and cooked in many different ways: on fire, in the microwave. Find out how you can make it and what mistakes you should avoid.
There is no doubt that oats have become a cereal that, in recent years, has really become fashionable. Mainly for the knowledge, on the part of the general public, of the different qualities and nutritional properties that it offers. And, also, because it is considered a delicious nutritious food, ideal for athletes and also for those who follow a weight loss diet (its fat content is very little, compared to its richness in fiber and its content in complex carbohydrates).
But, as is obvious, to be able to enjoy the qualities of any type of food (as in this case happens with oats), it is necessary to know how we can prepare it in the kitchen; especially without this being able to suppose a loss of nutrients -especially vitamins and minerals- and other related properties, especially if we boil it for too long.
Main mistakes to avoid
In addition to following the appropriate steps to prepare the oatmeal, depending on our personal taste, if the result is not what we expected at first, it is quite possible that we have made a mistake. Do you know which are the most common? Take note:
- Boil oatmeal for too long: Whether you cook it on the fire with milk, any vegetable drink, or water, you may leave it on the fire for a long time. If so, several things can happen. The main one is that it ends up forming a dough that is difficult to eat, as it is quite pasty and hard.
- Opt for water instead of milk: Although there are many people who prefer to use water for cooking instead of milk, the truth is that by opting for milk we will enjoy a much more nutritious and complete food. In addition, it is true that with milk the result is better, since it helps to make the oats softer and creamier.
- Be careful if the oats stick to the saucepan: It is very important to stir the oats during cooking. In this way we will prevent the flakes from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan, and from forming annoying and uncomfortable lumps. This is so whether we choose to cook the oats on the fire or in the microwave. In fact, if you opt for the microwave, it is recommended to stir every 45-50 seconds.
- Be patient (5 minutes is enough): You may also be in a hurry and remove the oatmeal from the heat ahead of time. If so, and it has already happened to you at some point, it is likely that you have noticed how hard oatmeal flakes feel, and are uncomfortable to eat. The key is to let the oatmeal cook for at least 5 minutes, so that the flakes puff up a bit and soften.
How to easily cook oatmeal at home
Now, once we know the main mistakes that we can make every time we cook oatmeal for breakfast or a snack, it is the right time to proceed to find out how it is possible to prepare it at home to enjoy all its nutritional qualities.
To the fire
It is the simplest, most comfortable and easy option. In fact, it is the most common way to prepare the traditional -and delicious- oatmeal porridge. You just have to add 1 cup of milk to a saucepan. Put on the fire and bring to a boil. When you reach this point, add 5 tablespoons of rolled oats (I prefer them thin, since their results are better), and while stirring, lower the heat a little and let the cereals cook for at least 5 minutes. The oatmeal is ready when it forms a smooth, creamy paste. Once achieved, turn off the heat, serve and sweeten to taste.
In the microwave
It is another fast option that has been gaining followers in recent times. You just have to microwave the bowl of milk along with the 5 tablespoons of rolled oats. Although the cooking time, at maximum power, lasts between 1 minute and a half and 2 minutes, it is convenient to stop the microwave every 45 seconds, and stir the oats well (being careful not to burn yourself, since the outside of the bowl will be hot ).
Prepare uncooked oats
It is another option to prepare oatmeal even more curious if possible, since it does not need cooking (but it does leave the rolled oats to soak overnight). To prepare it, you just have to pour milk into a glass container that you can close hermetically. Add the oatmeal to taste, stir well so that both ingredients are integrated, and leave it to rest in the fridge overnight. The next day the oatmeal will be ready.
