Quick, easy and delicious... Soaked Oatmeal

Breakfast.... the most important meal of the day. But, are the cereals on the shelf at the grocery store really that good for you? I tend to lean towards no. With the prevalence of GMO grains and the needless use of an abundance of sugar and high fructose corn syrup in breakfast foods, I try and stay away from store bought cereals as much as possible. Of course with my DH not caring about these things, cereal tends to make its way to the breakfast table more often than I'd like. But for those days when it's just me and my kiddo, oatmeal is our breakfast of choice.

And I'm not talking about the little premade packages devoid of natural nutrition and laden with sugars, preservatives, and ingredients you can't even pronounce. I'm talking about the old fashioned oats. The good stuff, full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The things a growing body needs. Of course, the argument I hear from most moms is it takes solo long to make in the morning and its such a hassle when you're trying to gets kids ready for school and running around like crazy, you know the normal morning most moms have to deal with. Well, I have an amazing solution for you. Soaked oatmeal!

Now what exactly is soaked oatmeal you might be asking and how is it easier than cereal with milk? Its super easy, and just about anyone can make it. Plus if your a mom who doesn't have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen it refrigerates well and reheats just as well. So first, we'll tackle this idea of soaking. Many great articles have been written on the subject of soaking grains and the added nutritional value and digestibility it creates. Here is one of my favorites http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2012/01/whats-the-fuss-about-soaking-grains-explanation-and-research-shared.html.

Like the author of this article, I also gained most of my information on soaking grains from Sally Fallon's book Nourishing Traditions. So how does one soak oatmeal? Quite simply by measuring out an amount of oatmeal, adding to it the same amount of water, and then a small amount of an acid medium. For my family the soaked oatmeal recipe below is enough for two plentiful servings.

Soaked Oatmeal Recipe
1 cup organic rolled oats
1 cup room temperature filtered water
1 Tbsp buttermilk, whey, yogurt, vinegar, etc.

1 cup water, slightly more if you like thinner oatmeal
1 Organic banana, peeled Honey, maple syrup, blubeeries, peaches, avocado, etc. Anything you want to add to give your oatmeal a little more flavor.

Add the first three ingredients into a pot, cover with a lid and leave on the stove or counter to soak overnight. Most recommendations say to soak for 12-24 hours, I tend to make up a batch of oatmeal while cleaning up from dinner, making the soaking time somewhere around 13 hours or so.

The main advantage of soaking for busy moms is the reduced cooking time. Oats prepared this way will cook up in about 5-10 minutes the next morning! So, the next morning after soaking I add the rest of the ingredients along with the banana, all you need do is peel and break in half. Turn on high, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook about 5-10 minutes, depending on how you like the consistency of your oatmeal. Remember to stir occasionally while cooking. The banana almost melts into the oatmeal as it's cooking and gives a flavor my little one and I love!

 

 

This is a favorite breakfast around our house as there are so many different variations you can come up with. Any type of fresh fruit, or canned if it's what you have on hand, will add great flavor and nutrition to this easy and simple breakfast. Need it a little sweeter? Simply add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. And voila a great and healthy breakfast your kids will love!

 



 That's it for today, enjoy your amazing soaked oatmeal breakfast, and thanks for stopping by. Blessings!