This post got an update on 11/4/21
Jump to RecipeSimple breakfasts are often the best. Soaked, overnight oatmeal, topped with just a few real ingredients, is at the top of my list. It’s at the top of my kids’ list too. Last time I made this, my oldest got off her stool, walked over to me, and hugged me from behind. She was that happy about warm oatmeal in the morning.
Oats, comforting oats
Growing up, I normally ate the packets of instant oatmeal. I loved those, because I loved sugar. Occasionally we would have real oatmeal in a pot, and I loved that even more. Swimming in milk, cinnamon and raisins, it was such a comfort. My girls and I like to top our oatmeal with butter or cream, toasted walnuts, raisins and cinnamon. They have a bowl or two; I stick to a small serving alongside my eggs.
What is phytic acid?
As I’ve learned more about food and health over the years, I have realized that it is important to soak your oats before cooking them. Since oats are grains, and grains are seeds, they contain something called phytic acid. This phytic acid prevents your body from absorbing certain nutrients such as iron, zinc and calcium. The phytic acid can also cause digestive upset.
Oats are a traditional food, but much of the traditional wisdom has been forgotten as we’ve handed over our breakfast options to cereal manufacturers. Now people are starting to relearn the traditional ways of preparing food. Oatmeal is no exception.
How to soak
It is simple to soak your oats ahead of time. Combine the dry oats with warm, filtered water and a splash of something acidic, such as vinegar, whey, or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit overnight or up to twenty-four hours ahead of time. When you are ready to cook them, add a bit more water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about five minutes. Turn off the heat and add butter or cream. It is important to add some fat to oatmeal to help your body absorb the nutrients.
Now, it’s your turn
What will you add to your overnight, soaked oatmeal? As classic as the cinnamon and raisin combination is, there are some other wonderful options. One of our favorites is peanut butter and banana. A couple tablespoons of peanut butter, half of a banana or more and some chopped peanuts make a delicious breakfast. Blueberries and maple syrup with butter is another great option. Finally, diced apples sauteed in butter and spooned on top of a bowl of warm oatmeal is yet another favorite. How will you make yours?
Don’t forget to start this recipe ahead of time; the oats need at least 12 hours to soak.
Thanks for reading, and see you next time!
Rebekah
Other Vibrantly Healthy Breakfast Options
- My Morning Smoothie: Collagen benefits hair, skin, and nails; and the healthy fats keep you going for hours.
- Cultured Pancakes with Local Honey: Soaking the whole grain flour in yogurt overnight makes soft, fluffy, and nutritions pancakes.
- Perfect Scrambled Eggs: Low and slow heat makes for magical scrambled eggs for a weekend breakfast.
How to Make Soaked Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, or whey
- pinch salt
- raisins, cream, cinnamon, and walnuts for topping
Instructions
- The night before, or up to 24 hours before, combine oats, water, and apple cider vinegar. Let soak.
- When you are ready to cook the oats, add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for five minutes.
- Divide oatmeal between two bowls and top with fresh raw cream or grass fed butter, raisins, cinnamon, and/or walnuts.
Have you ever tried savory oatmeal? I make mine with rosemary olive oil and a sprinkling of pecorino romano cheese. Once I started eating this I never went back. The sweetened version has now become dessert.
I’ve not tried savory oatmeal, though I’ve heard of it! I generally make the sweetened version of oatmeal for my kids. When I want savory, I generally go for eggs. 🙂