Stovetop Preparation: In a saucepan, combine the rolled oats, water or milk, and a pinch of sea salt. If you're using any optional spices or vanilla extract, add them to the mixture as well.
Cooking: Place the saucepan over medium to high heat and bring the mixture to a low boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently.
Stirring: Stir the oats occasionally while they cook. Continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and the mixture is creamy. Old fashioned oats are a great choice for this method, as they cook quickly and yield a creamy texture.
Serve: Once cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat. You can choose to serve your oats plain or add any desired toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Overnight Option: For the overnight oats method, combine rolled oats and your choice of milk in a container. Add optional ingredients like chia seeds and yogurt, mix well, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, stir and add your favorite toppings.
Extra Tips: To achieve the best texture, always opt for old-fashioned rolled oats, as they cook evenly and create a creamy result.
Avoid using steel-cut oats for the overnight method, as they require longer cooking times.
Feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations and toppings like nut butters, seeds, or dried fruit to keep your breakfasts exciting and nutritious!