How Blending Oatmeal Before Cooking Affects Your Breakfast

Oatmeal is a breakfast staple for many, but can blending it before cooking make it even better? The answer is yes! Blended oatmeal has a creamy, pudding-like texture and can be made in a variety of flavours. It is also a convenient option for those who are short on time in the mornings as it can be prepared the night before.

Should you blend before or after cooking?

Blending your oatmeal is a great way to change up your breakfast routine and create a pudding-like consistency. But should you blend your oats before or after cooking? The answer depends on your personal preference and the type of blended oatmeal you want to make.

Blending Before Cooking

If you want to blend your oatmeal before cooking, there are a few methods you can try. One option is to use a spice grinder to grind the oats into a fine flour before adding the other ingredients and cooking on the stovetop. This method creates an ultra-fine, creamy pudding texture. Just be sure to constantly stir the oatmeal while cooking to prevent clumping and lumping. You can also make blended overnight oats by adding all the ingredients to a blender, blending until smooth, and then placing the mixture in the fridge overnight or for a few hours before serving. This method is quick and easy, and you can customise your oatmeal with various toppings and mix-ins.

Blending After Cooking

On the other hand, if you prefer to blend your oatmeal after cooking, you can simply cook the oatmeal according to your preferred method and then blend it until smooth. This technique works well for creating a smooth and creamy texture, similar to oatmeal pudding. Whether you cook your oatmeal on the stovetop or in the microwave, make sure to use a ratio of 1:2 for oats to liquid. For stovetop cooking, bring the liquid to a boil first, then add the oats and cook until they thicken and absorb the liquid. For microwave cooking, combine the oats and liquid in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2 minutes, adding more time in 15-second increments as needed.

So, should you blend your oatmeal before or after cooking? The answer is—it's up to you! Both methods will give you a delicious and creamy bowl of oatmeal. Blending before cooking is great for making overnight oats or creating an ultra-fine pudding-like texture, while blending after cooking is a quick and easy way to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Experiment with both methods and see which one you prefer!

What is the best appliance to use for blending?

When it comes to blending oatmeal, there are a few different appliances you can use, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a list of the best appliances to use for blending oatmeal, along with some detailed instructions on how to use them:

Blender

Blenders are a common appliance used for blending various ingredients, and they can also be used for blending oatmeal. To blend oatmeal in a blender, simply add the desired amount of oatmeal and liquid (such as water, milk, or plant-based milk) to the blender jar. You can also add other ingredients such as sweetener, spices, or fruit to taste. Secure the lid on the blender and blend the ingredients until they reach your desired consistency. For a super-smooth and creamy texture, blend on high speed for at least a minute. If your blender has a pulse setting, you can use that to blend in short bursts and control the consistency better.

Food Processor

Food processors are another option for blending oatmeal. They typically have a wider base and a shallower design than blenders, which can make them more suitable for blending thicker mixtures. Similar to using a blender, add your desired amount of oatmeal, liquid, and any additional ingredients to the food processor bowl. Secure the lid and blend until the oatmeal is blended to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the food processor in short bursts to achieve the desired consistency.

Immersion Blender

An immersion blender, also known as a hand blender, is a handy tool for blending smaller batches of oatmeal or for blending directly in a cooking pot. To use an immersion blender, simply place it in the container with your oatmeal and liquid, making sure the blending head is fully immersed. Turn on the blender and move it around the container until the oatmeal is blended to your desired consistency. Immersion blenders are great for controlling the consistency of your oatmeal, as you can easily see and adjust the texture as you blend.

Spice Grinder

While spice grinders are typically used for grinding dry spices and herbs, they can also be used to grind oatmeal into a fine flour-like consistency. This is especially useful if you want to create a super-creamy oatmeal pudding or porridge. To use a spice grinder, simply add a small amount of oatmeal to the grinder and secure the lid. Pulse the grinder in short bursts to grind the oatmeal, shaking the grinder occasionally to ensure an even grind. Once the oatmeal is ground to your desired consistency, add it to your liquid and cook as usual.

Tips for Blending Oatmeal

• For best results, use rolled oats or old-fashioned oats when blending oatmeal. Quick oats can also work but may result in a mushier texture. Avoid using steel-cut oats as they are too hard and will not blend properly.
• Always use a suitable container for blending hot liquids. Avoid using narrow-necked bottles or containers as the heat can build up pressure and cause the container to burst.
• When blending hot oatmeal, allow it to cool slightly before blending, and never fill the blender jar more than halfway to avoid burns.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add less liquid or use a thicker plant-based milk such as cashew or soy milk.
• For extra creaminess and protein, try adding a dollop of yogurt to your blended oatmeal.

What type of oats should you use?

There are several types of oats available, and the best option depends on your preferences for texture and cooking time. Here are some common types of oats and their characteristics:

• Quick Oats or Instant Oats: These oats are more finely processed, which results in a shorter cooking time. They are precooked, dried, and rolled, and are sometimes labelled "instant oats" or "instant oatmeal". Quick oats are ideal if you're in a hurry, but they may result in a mushier texture.
• Steel-Cut Oats: This type of oat is the whole, unrolled, and unprocessed oat grain. They take the longest to cook, usually requiring at least 20 minutes on the stovetop. Steel-cut oats are worth the wait if you prefer a chewier texture. They are sometimes labelled as "Irish oatmeal."
• Old-Fashioned Oats or Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned oats fall between quick oats and steel-cut oats in terms of processing and cooking time. They are steamed and rolled into flakes, resulting in a shorter cooking time of around 5 minutes. Old-fashioned oats are versatile and work well for stovetop or microwave cooking, as well as for making baked oatmeal, overnight oats, oatmeal cookies, and no-bake treats.
• Whole Oat Groats: Whole oat groats leave the grain intact, resulting in the longest cooking time and requiring the most liquid. They are ideal if you want to make a rich, creamy porridge.

When choosing the type of oats to blend before cooking, consider the desired level of processing, cooking time, and texture. Quick oats or instant oats are highly processed and cook very quickly, but they may result in a mushier texture. Steel-cut oats and whole oat groats are less processed and take longer to cook, but they provide a chewier or creamier texture. Old-fashioned oats or rolled oats fall in the middle, offering a balance between processing, cooking time, and texture. Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preferences and how you want your blended oatmeal to turn out.

What liquid should you use?

When it comes to the liquid you use to cook your oatmeal, you have a few options. You can use water, milk, or a combination of the two. Some recipes recommend using equal parts water and milk, while others suggest using all milk or all water. If you're using milk, you can use dairy milk or a plant-based alternative like soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk. Keep in mind that dairy milk will provide more protein than plant-based alternatives.

Using milk instead of water will give your oatmeal a creamier texture and a boost of flavour. It will also add some extra protein to your breakfast, keeping you fuller for longer. Water, on the other hand, will make your oats more gummy in texture.

If you want to get creative, you can also try using other liquids like apple cider or even beef au jus for a savoury twist.

Regardless of the liquid you choose, the ratio of liquid to oats is important to ensure your oatmeal turns out perfectly. For steel-cut oats, use 3/4 to 1 cup of liquid per 1/4 cup of oats. For quick-cooking or rolled oats, the ratio is 1 cup of liquid per 1/2 cup of oats.

What are some good mix-ins?

There are endless possibilities when it comes to oatmeal mix-ins. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fruits

Fresh, dried, or frozen fruits are all great options. Some popular choices include bananas, berries, apples, peaches, mangoes, pears, cranberries, cherries, and goji berries. You can also add vegetables like spinach, kale, zucchini, or cauliflower for a nutritional boost.

Sweeteners and Spices

A dash of maple syrup, honey, or cinnamon can add a touch of sweetness and warmth to your oatmeal. Other spices like pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, cardamom, ground ginger, or vanilla extract can also enhance the flavor.

Nuts, Seeds, and Nut Butter

Almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds add crunch and a boost of protein. You can also add a spoonful of nut butter like peanut butter, almond butter, or tahini for extra creaminess.

Dairy and Dairy-Free Alternatives

A dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of milk (dairy or plant-based) can add creaminess and protein to your oatmeal.

Chocolate

For a sweet treat, mix in some shaved dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more) or chocolate chips.

Savory Options

If you prefer a savory twist, try adding sautéed mushrooms and garlic, shredded cheese like cheddar or feta, or a fried or poached egg on top.

Other Mix-Ins

Granola, protein powder, beaten egg whites, or a scoop of ice cream can also be added to your oatmeal for extra flavor and texture.

Frequently asked questions