How to Make the Perfect Oatmeal

This week it’s #BreakfastWeek! Every day from Monday to Friday this week I will be sharing a new breakfast recipe! To kick off the week, I’m showing you how to make the perfect oatmeal. It’s even a vegan recipe!

Ever since I posted my Homemade Pumpkin Spice video, and suggested that the spice mix would make a great oatmeal topping, I’ve had requests for a post on just how I make perfect oatmeal! So what better way to kick off a week all about the importance of eating a healthy breakfast?

Oatmeal is a staple breakfast for me, I eat it at least a few times a week. I notice a real difference in the productivity of my morning when oatmeal is a part of my routine. I like to use wholegrain rolled oats to make oatmeal, and only water. I add a splash of almond milk at the end, but only water during the cooking process.

The reason for this is that milk has a very low burning temperature, so it’s easy for your oatmeal to get a nasty burned tang to it. By adding the almond milk at the very end, you can avoid scalding the milk, so the oatmeal still gets that beautiful creaminess, with none of the burnt flavour.

Oatmeal is a great “blank canvas” recipe. It adapts beautifully to sweet or savoury toppings. In the version above, I have mixed the two by adding some avocado, raspberries and chia seeds. The avocado adds to the creaminess and provides some healthy fats and the raspberries, some sweetness and a tang. If you want it to be a little sweeter, add a drizzle of honey, or maple syrup to keep it vegan!

Another more classic option is the mixed berry and banana version. You can’t go wrong with some banana and berries, add some shredded coconut and you have a winner.

The last option is to sprinkle a little cinnamon or pumpkin spice mix on top. I don’t think I could pick a favourite… maybe this one?!

I’m so excited for the rest of breakfast week… tomorrow I’m bringing you healthy banana pancakes, that ACTUALLY taste like real, good pancakes! You’re going to love them! Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel! There’s another video coming at the end of this week!

Make sure you come back tomorrow at 5pm GMT / 9am PST / 12pm EST!

Serves 4

This simple recipe will teach you exactly how to make the perfect oatmeal. Thick and creamy, but totally vegan, oatmeal is a great start to your day! Click through for a great video tutorial!

Ingredients:

1 cup whole grain rolled oats,
3 cups water,
Almond Milk.

Note: This recipe is measured in volume, not weight. Use 1 cup (your choice of size) for the oats, and add 3 times as much water. This ratio is what you need for this recipe.

Suggested Toppings

Sliced Avocado,
Chia Seeds,
Mixed Berries,
Maple Syrup,
Cinnamon,
Banana,
Shredded Coconut.

Steps:
1. Add the oats and water to a large saucepan and heat on a low heat whilst stirring constantly for 5 minutes.

2. Reduce the heat to minimum and simmer the oatmeal for a further 10 minutes.

3. Add the almond milk and stir until combined. For thicker oatmeal, add less almond milk and for more runny oatmeal add more.

4. Top with any toppings you like, I have made some suggestions above but the list is not exhaustive!

Serve immediately.

About Lauren Caris

Lauren is the author and chef of the vegan food blog, Lauren Caris Cooks. She is passionate about showing people just how awesome vegan food can be with simple, delicious recipes and vegan lifestyle tips.