It is funny how oats are categorized as sweet dishes in the U.S. You can make this savory oatmeal a hearty and delicious meal at any time of the day. There are many toppings and add-ins to make it your own. This could be your new favorite budget-friendly meal!
What kind of OATS is best for this recipe?
Although you can make savory oatmeal with any oats (although technically possible), the following recipe is for old-fashioned rolled Oats. They cook in about 5 minutes. Old-fashioned rolled oatmeal is a great compromise between convenience and texture. Steel-cut oatmeal takes longer to cook and will require more liquid. Although quick oats are quicker to cook, they don’t have much texture.
FLAVORING SAVORY OATMEAL
Oats are bland by themselves, which is why they get so much bad press. These are some ways to make sure that your savory oatmeal is full-flavored.
- Make sure to cook them in a flavorful broth. Better than Bouillon is my favorite because it has a great vibrant flavor. It comes in many flavors and options.
- Use aromatics. You can make a big difference with a little ginger or garlic! Also, green onion and shallots taste great.
- Your favorite seasoning mix can be added. You can experiment with your favorite bottled seasons like Everything Bagel Seasoning and jerk seasoning.
- Serve with your favorite sauce. You can add a bit of chili garlic paste, sriracha or gochujang to your dish.
TOPPING IDEAS FOR SAVORY OATMEAL
- You can also add ingredients to your oatmeal. But, there are many other delicious toppings you can use! These are some ideas for topping oatmeal:
- Grape tomatoes
- Avocado slices
- Bacon bits
- Jalapenos
- Cilantro
- Green onion
- Parmesan
- French fried onions
- Sprouts
- Edamame
- Soft-boiled egg or Hard-boiled egg
- Breakfast sausage
CAN I MAKE IT Ahead?
- Savory oatmeal can be made ahead of time! The recipe card can be modified to adjust the amount of each ingredient. Divide your savory oatmeal into portions for single servings and place in the refrigerator. You can reheat your oatmeal by heating it on high for 2 minutes and stirring halfway through. You can add water if the oatmeal becomes too thick.
MAKE IT VEGAN
- The savory oatmeal recipe can be made vegan by substituting butter for your preferred cooking oil. Coconut oil is a good choice because it has the same rich taste as butter.
SAVORY OATMEAL
- Savory oatmeal is a hearty, delicious and affordable meal that you can customize to suit your tastes using ingredients.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
-
- 1 clove minced garlic ($0.08)
- 1/2 tsp grated fresh Ginger ($0.05
- 4 mushrooms ($0.62)
- 1 tablespoon butter ($0.04)
- 1 cup vegetable broth ($0.13)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oatmeal ($0.09)
- 1/2 cup spinach ($0.19)
- 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil ($0.05)
INSTRUCTIONS
-
- Slice the garlic and ginger into small pieces.
- Combine the butter, garlic, ginger, and water in a small saucepan. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes on medium heat.
- Continue to saute the mushrooms for a few more minutes or until they are tender.
- The vegetable broth should be added to the saucepot. Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the broth to a boil.
- Once the broth has boiled, add the rolled oatmeal and stir to combine. Let the broth return to boil. Then reduce heat to medium-low. Allow the oats to simmer for 5 minutes or until they become thickened.
- The oats should be simmering while you chop the spinach. Add the chopped spinach to the thickened oatmeal and the toasted sesame oils.
- Salt the mixture to your taste. If necessary, top it with your favorite toppings. Serve immediately
