Vegan Oatmeal: Quick, Easy, And Nutritious Breakfast Ideas

Oatmeal is a nutritious and versatile food that can be enjoyed by people following a vegan diet. It is a popular breakfast option as it is easy to prepare, filling, and can be customised with various toppings and add-ins. Oats are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants, and have been shown to help lower cholesterol and improve blood sugar control.

There are several ways to cook oatmeal, and the cooking method can depend on the type of oats used. The three main types of oats are steel-cut, rolled, and instant oats, each with different processing levels and cooking times. Rolled oats are a popular choice as they retain their texture and shape while only taking about five minutes to cook.

To cook oatmeal on the stovetop, start by heating liquid—this can be water, plant-based milk, or a combination of both—in a saucepan. Once the liquid is boiling, add the oats and cook for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid is absorbed. For a chewier texture, you can toast the oats in a little coconut oil before adding the liquid.

Microwaving oatmeal is another option for those short on time. Simply combine the oats and liquid in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until the desired texture is achieved.

Oatmeal can also be made in advance as overnight oats. This involves mixing the oats with liquid and leaving them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This method is convenient for meal prep, and the oatmeal can be eaten cold or reheated the next day.

The beauty of oatmeal lies in its customisability. You can add a variety of toppings and mix-ins to elevate the flavour and nutritional profile of your bowl. Popular choices include fresh or dried fruit, nuts and seeds, nut butters, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and sweet treats like chocolate chips or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Vegan oatmeal is a delicious and healthy way to start your day, offering endless possibilities for customisation to suit your taste preferences and nutritional needs.

How to make oatmeal in the microwave, on the stove, in the crockpot, or in the instant pot

In the Microwave

Making oatmeal in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty breakfast. Here are the steps to follow:

• Use old-fashioned rolled oats or whole oats, not quick oats, as they will turn mushy.
• Combine oats, water, and a pinch of salt in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Set your microwave to default "high" power.
• Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
• Let the bowl stand for another 2 minutes. If you need to remove the bowl from the microwave, cover it to retain the steam and continue cooking.
• Stir the oatmeal to fluff it up. If it's drier than you prefer, add a little water or milk and microwave for another 30 seconds.
• Top with your desired toppings.

On the Stove

Toasting oats on a skillet before cooking them is a great way to add depth and a rich, caramel-like flavor to your oatmeal. Here's how to do it:

• Heat a non-stick or stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat.
• Toss in your raw oats and toast them for several minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
• Keep a close eye on their color—when they're slightly browned and have a butterscotch-like aroma, they're ready.
• Continue preparing them as you usually would.

In the Crockpot

Using a crockpot to make oatmeal is a convenient way to have a healthy breakfast ready in the morning with minimal morning preparation. Here's a simple recipe:

• Combine 1.5 cups of steel-cut oats, 2 cups of milk, 2 mashed ripe bananas, 3 tablespoons of ground flaxseed meal, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, 1.5 teaspoons of cinnamon, 0.5 teaspoons of nutmeg, and 0.5 teaspoons of salt in a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
• Stir all the ingredients together.
• Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
• Once the oats are soft but still have a bit of chew, remove the cover and stir to combine the ingredients.
• Top with your desired toppings, such as banana slices and walnuts.

In the Instant Pot

Using an Instant Pot to make oatmeal is a convenient and mess-free option. Here's a simple recipe:

• Add 1 cup of steel-cut oats and 2.5 to 3 cups of water to the Instant Pot.
• Place the lid on the Instant Pot and lock it.
• Press the Porridge button (or Manual/Pressure Cook button) and set the timer for 6 minutes.
• Turn the knob on the lid to 'Sealing'.
• The Instant Pot will automatically turn on and build pressure. After about 10 minutes, the timer will start.
• Once the 6 minutes are up, let the pot sit for an additional 8-10 minutes to release the pressure.
• Remove the lid, stir, and serve with your desired toppings.

How to make oatmeal with different types of milk

The Basics

Oats are a vegan-friendly food, so it's the ingredients you use to make them that matter. The liquid you use is the main ingredient to consider. Using water can make your oatmeal soggy, so it's best to use milk.

To make oatmeal, you'll need a 1:2 ratio of oats to liquid. The usual serving size is 1/2 cup of oats to 1 cup of liquid. You can use milk, water, or a combination of the two. If you're short on time, you can use quick oats, but these are more processed and only save you about a minute of cooking time.

Stovetop Method

First, bring your liquid to a boil in a small saucepan. Then, reduce the heat to low and add your oats. Allow them to cook until they've thickened and absorbed most of the liquid, stirring frequently. This should take about 5 minutes.

Microwave Method

Place your oats and liquid in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2 minutes. Then, add 15-second increments until your oatmeal is puffed and softened.

Types of Milk

The type of plant milk you use will make a difference to the outcome. Cashew milk, for example, has a very neutral, creamy taste, whereas almond milk is sweeter, and oat milk has an earthy, pleasant aftertaste.

You can also make your own oat milk by blending 1 cup of rolled oats with 3-4 cups of water and straining the mixture through a clean t-shirt or towel. You can add sea salt, a date, vanilla extract, cacao powder, or berries for added flavour.

Toppings

The best part about oatmeal is that you can top it with almost anything! Here are some ideas:

• Fresh fruit: berries, bananas, pears, apples
• Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, pecans
• Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice
• Nut and seed butters
• Sweeteners: maple syrup, honey, golden syrup, agave nectar, brown sugar
• Dried fruit: sultanas, raisins, dried berries, apricots, dates, coconut
• Cooked grains: quinoa, amaranth, wheat germ, granola
• Dairy: a splash of milk or a dollop of yoghurt
• Savoury: vegan parmesan cheese, sauteed veggies, crumbled vegan sausage

How to make oatmeal with different types of oats

There are several types of oats available, and the cooking method varies slightly for each. Here is a guide on how to make oatmeal with different types of oats:

Steel-cut oats

Steel-cut oats are oat groats that have been roughly chopped. They are the least processed type of oat and take longer to cook than other varieties, resulting in a hearty, creamy porridge.

To cook steel-cut oats, bring 1 cup of water or milk and a pinch of salt to a boil in a small saucepan. You can also add a spice like cinnamon, cardamom, or turmeric for extra flavor. Then, stir in 1/4 cup of oats and reduce the heat to low. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats reach your desired texture, which can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.

Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)

Rolled oats are made by steaming and then rolling oat groats into flakes. They have a shorter cooking time than steel-cut oats and are often used for baked oatmeal, overnight oats, oatmeal cookies, and no-bakes.

To cook rolled oats, bring 1 cup of water or milk and a pinch of salt to a boil in a small saucepan. You can also add spices, if desired. Stir in 1/2 cup of oats and reduce the heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the oats have absorbed the liquid.

Quick oats

Quick oats are similar to rolled oats but are steamed longer and rolled more thinly, making them the most processed type of oat. They have the shortest cooking time, usually taking just 1 minute.

To cook quick oats, follow the same instructions as for rolled oats, but only cook for 1 minute after adding the oats to the boiling liquid.

Instant oats

Instant oats are precooked, dried, and rolled, making them convenient and quick to prepare. They are similar to quick oats in terms of cooking time and can be prepared on the stovetop or in the microwave.

To cook instant oats on the stovetop, bring 1 cup of milk or water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Stir in 1/2 cup of oats and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from the heat and let it stand for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

To cook instant oats in the microwave, combine 1 cup of water or milk, 1/2 cup of oats, and a pinch of salt in a microwavable bowl. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, then stir before serving.

Tips for making oatmeal:

• For a creamier texture, cook the oatmeal on low to medium heat and stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning.
• Play around with different types of plant-based milk to find your preferred taste and texture.
• Add a dash of salt to enhance the nutty flavor of the oats and bring out their sweetness.
• Get creative with toppings and add-ins to make your oatmeal more flavorful, nutritious, and interesting.
• If you're short on time, make overnight oats by combining oats, liquid, and toppings, then storing them in the fridge to eat the next day.

Oatmeal is a versatile and nutritious breakfast option that can be customized to your taste. By understanding the different types of oats and their cooking methods, you can easily make a delicious and satisfying bowl of oatmeal to suit your preferences.

How to make oatmeal with different toppings

Oatmeal is a great breakfast option for vegans, as oats are naturally vegan, and there are many plant-based milk options available. Here are some tips for making oatmeal with different toppings:

Choosing the Right Oats

There are three main types of oats: steel-cut, rolled, and instant. Steel-cut oats are the least processed and take the longest to cook (around 30 minutes), while instant oats are the most processed and quickest to cook (about 1 minute). Rolled oats are a good middle ground, as they cook in 5-10 minutes and retain their texture and shape.

Liquid Options

The liquid you use to cook the oats will also affect the flavour and texture. Water will give you a more traditional porridge, while milk (dairy or plant-based) will make the oatmeal creamier. A mix of water and milk is a good option for a creamy but light texture.

Sweet Toppings

• Fresh fruit: berries, bananas, apples, pears, and more
• Dried fruit: apricots, raisins, dates, etc.
• Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, etc.
• Natural sweeteners: maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, etc.
• Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice
• Unsweetened or lightly sweetened chocolate
• Yogurt

Savoury Toppings

• Sautéed mushrooms and garlic
• Spinach or kale
• Shredded cheese (cheddar or feta)
• Poached or fried egg
• Avocado slices
• Sausage
• Bell peppers
• Goat cheese

Other Tips

• Soak your oats overnight for a faster cook time and a creamier texture.
• Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour.
• If your oatmeal is too thick, add a splash of water or milk.
• If you want to make your oatmeal in advance, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for several months.

How to make oatmeal with different flavours

Ingredients

• Rolled oats
• Milk or water
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla extract
• Toppings of choice

Method

Place the rolled oats, milk or water, salt, cinnamon and vanilla extract in a pot or saucepan over medium/high heat. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer and continue to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The oatmeal is ready when the oats have soaked up most of the liquid and are creamy. Transfer to a bowl and add your toppings of choice.

Flavour ideas

Maple Brown Sugar

Make your oatmeal and then top with maple syrup and brown sugar. Stir into the oats and add a splash of milk if you’d like.

Apple Cinnamon

Top your oatmeal with chopped apples and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon. You can also add some chopped apples to the oats while they’re cooking for even more apple flavour or make cooked cinnamon apples.

Banana Nut

Top your oatmeal with banana slices, walnuts, peanut butter and chia seeds. You can also add the banana slices during the cooking process to add a ton of flavour to the oatmeal and a bit of sweetness.

Berry Almond

Top your cooked oatmeal with fresh berries, chopped roasted almonds and chocolate chips. You can also add berries to the oats while they’re cooking if you’d like!

Other ideas for toppings

Fruit

You can’t go wrong with bananas and berries, but almost any fruit will work. Try strawberries and cream or blueberry oatmeal. You could also add dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, dried cherries or dates, or frozen fruits like berries or mangoes, jams, fruit zest or applesauce.

Nuts and seeds

Try almonds, walnuts, pecans or peanuts; chia seeds, ground flaxseeds, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. You can also do any nut butter or seed butter.

Veggies

For a nutritional boost, try adding veggies to your bowl of oats with this cauliflower oatmeal or zucchini bread oatmeal.

Caramel

Make this salted caramel oatmeal with a date caramel sauce. It adds a delicious sweet and salty flavour to the oats.

Greek yoghurt

Try a dollop on top or make Greek yoghurt oatmeal.

Sweeteners

Honey, maple syrup, brown sugar or agave syrup.

Frequently asked questions