Hello everyone!
As my friends may know, I may not be the biggest "breakfast" person - mainly because I get gastric reflux if I indulge in a big meal right when I get up. So I'd usually have to let my body adjust to being awake before I can eat any meal.
My typical work day morning sees me getting up about 8:30am, and getting to the office around 9am. I tend to buy my breakfasts at the cafes (Spinelli's breakfast sets own my heart) and by the time I get to eating the first meal of my day, it's at least 10am. I've been this way since school, never eating anything from when I wake till break time, which I guess its why I can't seem to get any food down within the first 2-3 hours of waking up. Let's get real, sleep over anything, everything!
Anyway, one of my favourite meals to have is oatmeal; or if you're from the states / europe / other than Singapore (maybe Asia?), porridge! Whenever I'm having a cold, or just feeling upset, I'd eat some oatmeal with a little condensed milk, and it always instantly makes me feel better.
It's turned into a comfort staple for me, that I tend to crave for a good bowl of oatmeal whenever I'm in the need of some pampering. I don't only eat this for breakfast, but at times even for dinner (I've even made this for stay-in date nights, and he absolutely loved it as well)!
Oatmeal is a perfect way to kickstart your day, as it is rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. It is also gluten free! Not only that, oatmeal is high in anti oxidant, and because it is so filling, it keeps you full a lot longer, as compared to rice - perfect as a dietary supplement if you're looking to cut down on your carbs. You'll need so much less of oatmeal, but still have a source of carbs for energy. PLUS +++POINTS!
Since I've stopped working full-time late last year, I've had more freedom during the day, and thus have a little more time to "get ready", and cook myself a nice meal to kick start my day. If you're interested in getting started on making some oatmeal for breakfast (or brunch, or even dinner), Jamie Oliver has a recipe video where he whips up 5 different oatmeals! My favourite has got to be the classic, where he just drizzles some golden syrup over the top. Maybe it's because that's how I'm used to eating my oatmeal, but it just does the trick for me.
I do like adding some chia seeds or poppy seeds as well, as they add an extra texture, and the seeds swell up on contact with liquids, and keeps you full for longer too! If you're not into sweet things for breakfast, I came across this video by the domestic geek, where she makes some savoury twists to oatmeal! I was very intrigued by the mushroom and goat cheese, and tried it out the very next day. I used feta cheese instead of goat cheese as I'm not really a fan of the former. I also sprinkled some parmesan over the top.
I've gotta say, I never thought that oatmeal could be tasty as a salty treat, but this completely changed my world. I can't wait to try more recipes out, and if you have any home recipes that you swear by, do let me know, as I am keen on experimenting with different combinations out.
Here's to eating healthier, and living better!
Basic Recipe for Oatmeal:
1 part rolled oats
3 parts water
Pinch of salt
~1 tsp sugar
Milk
Directions:
Combine oats and water in a pot, and bring to a boil. Lower down to simmer over medium heat, add in salt and stir frequently till mixture becomes thick. Add in sugar to taste and a splash of milk to loosen mixture. Serve.
Classic Oatmeal:
Follow basic oatmeal recipe above, after portioning out a bowl to serve, drizzle golden syrup, maple syrup, or honey over the top and serve hot.
Caramelized Oatmeal:
Over a bowl of basic oatmeal, sprinkle brown sugar over the surface while still piping hot, and brown sugar will melt and caramalize on top of the oatmeal. "Cut" a grid pattern through the sugar, and splash some milk or cream.
Mushroom & Goat Cheese Oatmeal:
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup sliced cremini mushrooms
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon thyme leaves
1 cup chopped baby spinach
2 cups vegetable broth or mushroom broth
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Directions:
Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook until they have softened and begin to brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme and salt and pepper and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the broth, oats and red pepper flakes. While stirring, bring the mixture to a simmer and continue to cook until all of the moisture has been absorbed, about 5 to 6 minutes. Serve immediately topped with crumbled goat cheese.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!