Blending Oatmeal: Quick Tips For A Smooth Breakfast Blend

Blended oatmeal is a quick, easy, and nourishing breakfast option. It can be made on the stovetop, in the microwave, or even baked, and is customisable with a variety of toppings and add-ins. The basic recipe involves blending rolled oats with a liquid base and optional flavourings, such as cinnamon, vanilla, or fruit. The blended mixture is then cooked until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Blended oatmeal is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different dietary needs and preferences, and it's a great way to start your day with a healthy and delicious meal.

Using a blender or food processor

Ingredients:

• Rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick)
• Other ingredients of your choice, such as milk, yogurt, sweetener, chia seeds, vanilla extract, etc.

Step 1: Prepare the Oats

Start by measuring out your desired amount of rolled oats. It's important to use rolled oats, as steel-cut oats won't blend properly. If you're gluten-intolerant, be sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid cross-contamination.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Blender

Place the measured oats and your other chosen ingredients into the blender or food processor. The amount of milk or liquid you use will depend on how thick you like your oatmeal. You can also add in mix-ins like peanut butter, cocoa powder, or cinnamon for extra flavour.

Step 3: Blend

Secure the lid on your blender or food processor and turn it on. Blend the ingredients until you have a smooth, creamy consistency. With a food processor, this may take around 3-3.5 minutes, while a high-speed blender may only take about 1-1.5 minutes. Be sure to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender or processor as needed to ensure all the ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Once your oatmeal is blended to your desired consistency, it's ready to serve! You can top it with your favourite toppings, such as granola, fresh berries, or a drizzle of nut butter. If you're not planning to eat it right away, you can store it in the fridge overnight or for a few days. Blended oatmeal can also be frozen for later use.

Tips:

• If you're using a blender, be sure to use a model that's suitable for blending grains. Some blenders have specific settings or containers for dry ingredients like oats.
• If you want to add protein powder to your blended oatmeal, it's best to add it after blending the other ingredients.
• For a smoother, more uniform texture, use a high-speed blender rather than a food processor. The food processor will produce irregular bits of varying sizes, resulting in a grittier texture.

Adding flavour with spices and extracts

Spices and extracts are a great way to add flavour to your blended oatmeal. For a basic oatmeal recipe, you can add a pinch of salt to your water when cooking the oats. This makes a difference to the taste. You can also add a little vanilla extract to enhance the natural oatmeal flavour.

If you want to get more creative, you can try adding some ground spices to your blended oatmeal. Chai tea spices such as star anise, cardamom, black pepper, ginger and cinnamon sticks can be a great addition to your oatmeal. You can also try dry roasting nuts and seeds such as walnuts, almonds, and pepitas, and adding them to your blended oatmeal for a flavour boost.

If you want to add a fruity twist to your blended oatmeal, you can try adding some mashed ripe banana to your mixture. This will melt into the oatmeal and add a natural sweetness. You can also try adding frozen or fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a burst of flavour.

For a more indulgent option, you can add a square of dark chocolate to your blended oatmeal. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try blending in a healthy dose of peanut butter for a extra creaminess and flavour.

• Cherry-Almond: Cherry extract + almond extract
• Tropical Burst: Orange extract + coconut extract
• Lavender-Lemon: Lavender extract + lemon extract
• Sports Splasher: Orange extract + honey powder + sea salt
• Spiced Iced Cider: Mulling spices + fresh oranges + cherry extract

When using extracts, it is generally recommended to start with 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per glass and adjust to your taste preferences.

Choosing the right oats

Types of Oats

The most common types of oats include quick-cooking oats, old-fashioned oats, and steel-cut oats. All of these options are equally nutritious, but they differ in terms of cooking time and texture.

• Quick-cooking oats or quick oats: These oats have been precooked, dried, and rolled, resulting in a shorter cooking time. They are sometimes labelled as "instant oats" or "instant oatmeal." While they work well for regular oatmeal, they may not be ideal for blending due to their softer texture.
• Old-fashioned oats: Also known as "rolled oats," this type has been steamed and then rolled. Old-fashioned oats are ideal for blending as they create a creamier texture.
• Steel-cut oats: Steel-cut oats are toasted and cut into oat groats (the oat kernel with the husk removed). They have a thicker, tougher texture and take longer to cook, making them less suitable for blending.

Factors to Consider

When choosing the right oats for blending, consider the following:

• Texture: For a smoother and creamier blend, opt for old-fashioned rolled oats. Their texture allows for a more even blend, resulting in a pudding-like consistency.
• Cooking time: If you're short on time, quick-cooking oats are a convenient option. They have a shorter cooking time and are ideal if you want to make blended oatmeal in a hurry.
• Nutritional needs: All types of oats are nutritious, offering soluble fibre, protein, and other health benefits. However, if you're looking for specific nutritional benefits, such as lowering blood sugar levels or reducing the risk of heart disease, consider choosing rolled oats over steel-cut or quick-cooking oats.
• Gluten intolerance: If you have a gluten intolerance, ensure you select certified gluten-free rolled oats to avoid cross-contamination.
• Taste preferences: Personal taste also plays a role in choosing the right oats. If you prefer a nuttier flavour or a particular brand, go with what suits your palate.

Blending Tips

To get the best results when blending oatmeal:

• Grind the oats well before cooking to achieve a creamier and finer pudding-like texture. A spice grinder or blender can help you achieve this consistency.
• Constantly stir the oatmeal while cooking to prevent clumping and lumping.
• Cook the oatmeal on low heat to prevent it from cooking too quickly or burning at the bottom.

Getting the right consistency

Grind the Oats: Before cooking, use a spice grinder, blender, or food processor to grind the oats into a fine flour-like consistency. This step is essential for achieving that ultra-fine pudding-like texture in your blended oatmeal.

Cooking Technique: When cooking the oatmeal, use a low heat setting and constantly stir the mixture to prevent lumping and clumping. Cooking on low heat ensures the oatmeal doesn't cook too quickly and burn at the bottom.

Liquid Ratio: The amount of liquid you use will impact the consistency. For a thicker, creamier texture, use less liquid, and for a thinner, smoother blend, add more liquid. You can use water, but for an even creamier result, opt for a higher-fat plant-based milk like cashew, soy, macadamia, or oat milk.

Add-Ins: Certain ingredients can help enhance the creaminess of your blended oatmeal. Protein powder and almond flour are great additions that provide extra protein while making your oatmeal fluffier and richer.

Blending Technique: If you're blending cooked oatmeal, make sure to blend it thoroughly until you get a smooth, even consistency. You can also blend in other ingredients like fruit or nut butter for added flavour and texture.

Customisation: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to find your perfect blend. You can add cinnamon, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, or even blend in fruits like apples or bananas to create unique flavours and consistencies.

By following these tips and techniques, you'll be well on your way to achieving the ideal consistency for your blended oatmeal. Remember to adjust the ingredients and cooking methods to suit your personal preferences, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Adding protein

There are many ways to add protein to your cooked oatmeal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Use Protein Powder

One way to add protein to your oatmeal is to use protein powder. However, simply scooping protein powder into your cooked oats may result in a lumpy, grainy, and watery consistency. To avoid this, dissolve the protein powder in a separate bowl with a small amount of water or milk first. Start with one tablespoon of liquid and gradually add more while stirring until you get a smooth mixture. Then, stir this into your cooked oatmeal. Do not reheat the oatmeal after adding the protein powder.

Use Dairy or Soy Milk

Instead of cooking your oatmeal with water, use dairy or soy milk for a protein boost. Dairy milk has 8 grams of protein per cup, while soy milk has 7 grams. This is a quick and easy way to add protein to your oatmeal without changing the cooking process.

Add Peanut Butter or Nut Butter

Stirring in a spoonful of peanut butter or other nut butter is an easy way to add protein to your oatmeal. Peanut butter has 7 grams of protein per 2-tablespoon serving. Almond butter, cashew butter, pistachio butter, and walnut butter are also good options, although they contain slightly less protein.

Include High-Protein Mix-Ins

There are several mix-ins you can add to your oatmeal to boost its protein content. Try adding hemp hearts (3 grams of protein per tablespoon), chia seeds (4 grams of protein per 2-tablespoon serving), or silken tofu (4 grams of protein per 3.2 ounces). You can also include egg whites for up to 7 grams of extra protein without adding much flavour.

Top with Savoury Ingredients

Creating a savoury oatmeal bowl opens up a range of protein-rich topping options. Try adding bacon (6 grams of protein per slice), crispy chickpeas (5 grams of protein per half cup), or beans (7.5 grams of protein per half cup of black beans). You can also include cheese, avocado, sweet potatoes, onions, or mushrooms for a hearty and nutritious breakfast.

Use Greek Yogurt

Stirring in some Greek yogurt is another way to add protein and creaminess to your oatmeal. Half a cup of Greek yogurt provides about 7 grams of protein. For a sweeter option, top with a drizzle of honey and sliced almonds.

Include Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, with 12 grams of protein per half cup. It adds a mild, slightly tart flavour and can help balance out overly sweet mix-ins or toppings.

Try Different Types of Milk

If you usually cook your oatmeal with water or a dairy-free milk alternative, try switching to soy milk, which has around 6 grams of protein per cup. Alternatively, dairy milk is an even better source of protein, with 8 grams per cup.

Add Seeds and Grains

Combine your oats with other grains and seeds, such as farro, barley, or quinoa, to boost the protein content. This will also add interesting textures and flavours to your oatmeal.

Top with Crispy Bacon

Bacon provides about 6 grams of protein per slice and can be a tasty, savoury addition to your oatmeal. Look for nitrite-free bacon for a healthier option.

Experiment with Legumes

Legumes, such as beans and chickpeas, are an excellent source of protein and can be a surprising but delicious addition to your oatmeal. Try mashing up half a cup of white beans, which are neutral in flavour, and adding them to your oatmeal for an extra 9 grams of protein. Alternatively, stir in some chickpea hummus for 1 gram of protein per 2-tablespoon serving.

There you have it! Plenty of ways to boost the protein content of your cooked oatmeal. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas and customising your oatmeal to your liking.

Frequently asked questions