Ingredients
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½ cup old-fashioned (rolled) Oats
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½ teaspoon ground Cinnamon
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1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
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Kosher Salt
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¾ cup Milk
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Chia Seeds
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Flavorings, such as ground Spice
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Crunchy toppings, such as toasted Nuts
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Sweet and/or savory toppings, such as Yogurt
Directions
Not even instant oatmeal is more instant than overnight oats. Take 90 seconds to assemble a jar (or three) before bed, and you’ll wake up to cold, wholesome porridge. (For people used to hot oatmeal, the concept of cold oats can be a little weird. But it’s also oddly refreshing, especially in hot weather, when the thought of eating a bowl of hot oatmeal is just disturbing.)
This is a basic recipe; like all oats, it requires some garnishing. Definitely sprinkle something crunchy on top when eating nuts, or little cubes of crisp apple, or a handful of granola. You may also want to add a little more sweetener (maple syrup, honey), or maybe some extra protein in the form of yogurt or a nut butter. You can stir seeds (chia, sesame, whatever you like) and/or flavorings (ground cardamom, vanilla extract, grated lemon zest) into the oat mix before soaking, and you can top the finished oats with fruit, jam, or if you leave the sweetener out of the initial mix entirely—a Perfect 7-Minute Egg. In general I think it’s better to get crazy with new, daily toppings rather than go crazy from monotony.
Steps
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1
Done
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In a mug, jar, or bowl, combine the oats, cinnamon, sweetener (if not planning to top with an egg), and a pinch of kosher salt. Pour the milk over the oats, add your choice of seeds and/or flavorings, if using, and stir. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, transfer to the refrigerator, and let sit overnight, or up to 3 days. |
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2
Done
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When you’re ready to eat the oats, pour them into a bowl (or don’t) and add your favorite toppings. |
