Easy creamy oatmeal - a recipe recreation by The Places Where We Go

Easy Creamy Oatmeal Recipe

Introducing Easy Creamy Oatmeal

We sought oatmeal one morning during our travels in Cardiff, Wales. It’s our breakfast staple that we eat six out of seven days a week. Yes, it’s a bit of a routine. And while we mix up breakfast options when on vacation, we still enjoy finding oatmeal for breakfast on occasion when we’re on the road.

On a cool June morning, we stopped at a coffee shop on Queen Street in Cardiff, Wales. Approaching the counter, we saw oatmeal on the menu, and we both placed our order for a healthy breakfast that morning.  This version was much more creamier than the variety we make at home.  A nice change, and it made for a satisfying breakfast. Oh, and the coffee hit the spot too.

The Places Where We Go contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you when you purchase using one of these Amazon links.  Read our disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

Why oatmeal is a healthy breakfast choice

Oatmeal is a highly nutritious and delicious breakfast option that can be a part of a diet to regulate blood sugar levels. Oats and whole grains are high in fiber and other essential nutrients that keep us healthy and satisfied throughout the day. Incorporating oatmeal into your breakfast repertoire is an excellent alternative to sugary cereals or processed breakfast foods. It’s a great way to enhance the amount of dietary fiber in your diet.

What ingredients will you need for this recipe?

Oats – We use a combination of oats for this recipe. Our choice of equal proportions of rolled oats and steel-cut oats provides creaminess from the rolled oats and a chewy texture from the steel-cut variety. Feel free to experiment with other oat varieties you may have available.

Liquid – Again, we use a combination here. Equal proportions of water and milk keep the porridge healthy while the milk adds a bit of richness.  You can even experiment by substituting a vegan option for the milk. Try almond milk or oat milk.

Sweetener – It’s your choice here.  Our recipe suggests various varieties of sugar or maple syrup. Again, try your favorite sweetener if you prefer an alternative.

Our creamy oatmeal recipe reimagined

Below, you will find our take on creamy oatmeal. It’s inspired by our breakfast in Cardiff.  We experimented to refine this recipe which reimagines the version we enjoyed in Cardiff, Wales.

It’s a creamy cereal recipe you can make at home to start your day on a healthy note. And it’s simple to make. 

Our stovetop version requires a little cooking time, but you’ll be rewarded with a hearty oatmeal breakfast in about 20 minutes. If you like creamy oats, read on to see how to make creamy oatmeal.

Recreating recipes from our travels

We enjoy recreating food experiences from our travels when we get back home. And while we have a standard oatmeal recipe at the house, we decided to attempt a creamier variety one morning. 

The recipe below is our homemade recreation of a creamy oatmeal we had one morning at a coffee shop on Queen Street. We’ve nicknamed this one Queen Street Oatmeal.

Easy Creamy Oatmeal Recipe

INGREDIENTS

1 cup whole milk
1 cup water
1/8 teaspoon sea salt 
1/3 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup steel-cut oats
1/4 cup raisins
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/4 tablespoons sugar (maple, brown, or white) or maple syrup
½ teaspoon cinnamon

ADDITIONS (optional – select from the following or add your favorites)
2 Tablespoons ground flax seed
2 Tablespoons sunflower seeds

SWEETENER (optional)
2 Tablespoons honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, or sweetener of your choice

TOPPING OPTIONS
Fresh fruit
Nuts

DIRECTIONS

Combine the milk, water, and salt in a pot and set over medium heat.  Add the oats, raisins, and chia seeds when the liquid begins to simmer. Lower the heat to medium. 

Initially, the oatmeal will look watery. It takes time to cook down to develop a creamy texture.

Let the oats simmer. Add the cinnamon at this point.  Stir frequently and adjust the heat lower as needed to maintain the simmer.  Standing by the stove during the cooking process and stirring occasionally can also help you avoid burning the oats.

The cooking time will be about 20 minutes.  You are aiming for the rolled oats to get slightly mushy and the steel-cut oats to have a slight pop when you eat them.  This lengthened cooking time is key to breaking down the starches in the oats and getting the oatmeal to become thick and creamy.

Sweeten with sugar or syrup.  Transfer the porridge into bowls.  Add some cold milk to pool around the edges of the porridge in the bowls.  Top with your favorite oatmeal toppings. Our typical daily additions include ground flax seeds and sunflower seeds.

Serving recommendation

Get a large bowl and scoop a healthy portion of this creamy oatmeal into your bowl.

Add your favorite oatmeal toppings. We prefer bananas or blueberries, sunflower seeds or walnuts.

Download a PDF of our printable Easy Creamy Oatmeal recipe

The next time you plan for a healthy breakfast, consider easy creamy oatmeal. We hope you enjoy this Queen Street Oatmeal.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

Why isn’t my oatmeal creamy?

First, use old-fashioned rolled oats or steel-cut oats instead of packaged instant oatmeal. The cooking method also matters – simmering the oats in water and milk until they reach a velvety smooth consistency works. Finally, don’t drown your oats with too much liquid – if you don’t have enough oats, the water will take too long to cook away, and the oatmeal will be slightly gummy.

Is it better to cook oatmeal with water or milk?

Both water and milk have their benefits. Water is used most often and provides a low-calorie, low-fat breakfast. Oats cooked in water will have a more neutral flavor than oats cooked in milk, so adding your favorite toppings like fruit, nuts, or seeds can help flavor it.
Cooking oatmeal with milk can add more flavor and texture to your breakfast. Milk also adds protein and calcium to your meal. Whole cow’s milk is the most popular choice for cooking oatmeal, but if you’re looking for something dairy-free, you can use nut milk like almond or oat milk instead.

What type of oatmeal is healthiest?

Oatmeal delivers complex carbohydrates packed with beneficial fiber. Groats are considered among the healthiest for oatmeal. Groats are minimally processed and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Steel-cut oats are also a healthy choice as they are the least processed. Also, consider buying organic oats. When selecting an oatmeal brand, read the label carefully to know exactly what ingredients you’re getting in your breakfast bowl!

Can you eat oatmeal everyday?

Oatmeal is a great addition to a healthy meal plan and can be eaten daily. Eating oatmeal regularly can have weight management benefits as it is low in calories but high in fiber and protein. Oats are also associated with heart health benefits due to beta-glucan, which helps lower cholesterol levels. However, it is important to be cautious of instant oatmeal as it may contain added sugar or other unhealthy ingredients. To get the most out of your oatmeal, add fresh fruit, nuts, or seeds for extra flavor and nutrition.

Who should eat oatmeal?

Oatmeal is a great breakfast option for anyone starting their day with a nutritious and delicious meal. It’s packed with antioxidants, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals to help keep your body healthy. Oatmeal is also low in calories, making it an ideal choice for those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle. 
Studies have shown that eating oats and oatmeal can help with weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of heart disease, and provide numerous vitamins and minerals. The fiber content in oats also helps to improve digestion.
 
So if you’re interested in these benefits, oatmeal is for you! You may even grow to love it.

Check out these books for more oatmeal recipes

05/15/2024 01:07 am GMT 05/15/2024 12:52 am GMT

More recipes inspired by our travels in Wales

Bloomer Bread recipe

Minted Pea Soup recipe

Zucchini Curry recipe

Check out our Cardiff 4-day itinerary to plan a trip to the capital of Wales

Fuel your wanderlust with weekly travel updates – It’s 100% FREE!

Our weekly travel newsletter brings you travel news and tips once a week.

#oatmeal #recipes

Pin it for later