Savory Oatmeal Recipes for Delicious Breakfasts

Introduction

Savory oatmeal is a delightful twist on the traditional sweet breakfast bowl, offering a hearty and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed any time of the day. This recipe from Love and Lemons provides a simple yet flavorful base that can be customized with various toppings to suit your taste. Rich in fiber and protein, savory oatmeal is not only satisfying but also versatile, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables and proteins for a completely wholesome dish.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup finely chopped shallot (about 1 small)
¾ cup steel-cut oats
1 garlic clove, grated
2¼ cups water
½ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Toppings

Sautéed spinach and/or mushrooms
Soft boiled eggs or poached eggs
Chopped scallions
Avocado slices
Microgreens
Hot sauce
Lemon wedge

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

15 to 20 minutes

Total Time

25 to 30 minutes

Yield

Serves 2

This savory oatmeal can be easily customized with a variety of toppings to cater to your personal preferences, making it a fantastic option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy the hearty flavors and nutritional benefits of this delightful dish!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Olive Oil

Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté the Shallot

Add the finely chopped shallot to the saucepan and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Oats and Garlic

Add the steel-cut oats and grated garlic to the pan, stirring to coat them in the olive oil.

Step 4: Add Water and Salt

Pour in the 2¼ cups of water and add the ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer the Oatmeal

Reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the oats are thick and creamy but still have a slight bite.

Step 6: Season the Oatmeal

Remove the saucepan from heat and season the oatmeal to taste with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 7: Serve the Oatmeal

Portion the oatmeal into bowls.

Step 8: Add the Toppings

Top each bowl with your choice of sautéed vegetables, soft or poached eggs, chopped scallions, avocado slices, and microgreens.

Step 9: Finish with Flavor

Serve each bowl with drizzles of hot sauce and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Notes

Customization Options

This savory oatmeal can be customized with various toppings to suit your taste preferences.

Meal Versatility

Enjoy savory oatmeal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner as a nutritious and filling meal option.

Cook Techniques

Sauteing

Sauteing is a cooking method that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium to high heat. In this recipe, shallots are sautéed to bring out their sweetness and enhance the flavor of the oatmeal.

Simmering

Simmering is a technique that involves cooking food gently in liquid at a low temperature, just below boiling. The oats are simmered to achieve a creamy consistency while retaining a slight bite.

Seasoning

Seasoning is the process of enhancing the flavor of a dish using ingredients like salt, pepper, or herbs. In this recipe, fresh ground black pepper and sea salt are added to elevate the taste of the savory oatmeal.

Boiling

Boiling is the method of cooking food in water or broth at a high temperature. The mixture is brought to a boil before reducing the heat to let the oats cook slowly.

Topping

Topping refers to adding ingredients on top of the main dish to enhance flavor and presentation. Various toppings such as sautéed vegetables, eggs, and avocado slices can be added to the oatmeal to make it more enjoyable.

FAQ

Can I use rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats?

Yes, you can use rolled oats, but the cooking time will be shorter. Rolled oats usually take about 5-10 minutes to cook.

What are some good topping alternatives for savory oatmeal?

You can use roasted vegetables, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, or even cooked bacon as alternative toppings.

Can I make this oatmeal vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the eggs or replace them with a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little water or broth to loosen the consistency.

Can I prepare the oatmeal in advance?

Yes, you can cook the oatmeal in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve and add your desired toppings.

Conclusion

Savory oatmeal is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Its creamy texture and the array of toppings allow for endless customization, making it a perfect meal for those looking to explore new flavors while maintaining a healthy diet. Whether you prefer it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your taste preferences.

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