Are you craving a warm, comforting breakfast or a quick and healthy meal that satisfies your sweet tooth? Look no further! This old-fashioned brown sugar oatmeal recipe is the perfect solution. It's incredibly easy to make, packed with flavor, and surprisingly nutritious. Forget those sugary instant packets; this homemade version offers a delicious and wholesome start to your day or a delightful anytime snack. It's one of those easy recipes that even beginner cooks can master, resulting in a delicious dish the whole family will love. This recipe is perfect for incorporating into your weekly meal planning for healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
- 2 cups water or milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter or oil (optional)
- Toppings of your choice (see suggestions below)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rolled oats, water or milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. If using, add the butter or oil now.
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Bring to a Boil: Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Simmer and Thicken: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and reached your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Top with your favorite additions and enjoy your warm bowl of delicious, homemade oatmeal.
Tips for the Best Brown Sugar Oatmeal:
- Use Rolled Oats: Avoid using instant oats for this recipe, as they will result in a mushier texture. Rolled oats provide a chewier, more satisfying bite.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet oatmeal, reduce the amount of brown sugar to 1 tablespoon or even less. You can also adjust sweetness by adding fresh or dried fruit later.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices! A dash of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom can add delightful warmth and complexity to the flavor.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked oatmeal can become mushy. Keep a close eye on it while simmering and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches your desired consistency.
Delicious Topping Suggestions:
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- Seeds (chia, flax, sunflower)
- Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- A dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream
Variations:
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal: Add 1/2 cup of diced apple to the saucepan while simmering.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter after removing from heat.
- Chocolate Oatmeal: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the saucepan with the other ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on using water and without toppings. Nutritional values will vary based on ingredients and portion size.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams
- Fiber: Approximately 4-5 grams
This old-fashioned brown sugar oatmeal recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious addition to your quick dinner ideas or breakfast routine. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both easy and nutritious. Give it a try and experience the joy of a warm, flavorful bowl of goodness!