There are a lot of things to know about making good oatmeal on milk, from choosing the right type of oats to finding the best methods for cooking them. Whether you are making single servings or a huge batch, there are some simple steps that will ensure your oatmeal turns out perfectly every time.
First, you need to decide how much water to add to the oats. Oats need enough water to soak up while they cook, but not so much that they’ll turn out soggy and watered down. Too little and you’ll get a mushy, soggy bowl of oatmeal; too much and you’ll end up with toothsome but heavy oats that aren’t very creamy.
Second, you need to make sure the oats are cooked through. You can do this by letting them simmer on the stove for a few minutes after you bring the water to a boil, or by cooking it in the slow cooker or Instant Pot.
Regardless of what method you use, be sure to let the oats cool before blending or straining them. Otherwise, the oats will be so hot they’ll pulverize and leave your oat milk with a gritty texture.
You also need to make sure the oats you’re using are organic, and that you’re using an unsweetened variety. If you’re not, your oat milk will be too sweet and may contain added sugars that you don’t want in your morning cereal.
Third, you need to make sure the oats don’t stick together or burn on the bottom of the pan when cooking them. This can be especially difficult when you’re working with steel cut oats, which need to be cooked longer than old-fashioned rolled oats.
Fourth, you need to stir the oats frequently during cooking. This helps release the starches and gives the oats a better, more satisfying bite.
Fifth, you need to add lots of flavor and spices. Adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger will give your oats a boost in flavor while also offering antioxidant benefits.
Sixth, you need to top your oatmeal with fruit, nuts and other toppings. This will not only add color and flavor to your oats, but it will also boost the fiber in your bowl of oats.
Dried fruits like apricots, prunes, cranberries, figs and dates are also great for adding flavor to your oatmeal and adding some sweetness. These dried fruits are a healthy alternative to sugar and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.