Quick oats are oats that have been broken down into smaller pieces, so they cook faster. Oatmeal is a versatile dish that can be served hot or cold. It is great in the morning and pairs well with a variety of toppings. Oatmeal is high in fiber which is great for heart health and can keep you full until lunchtime. 

Alternative names: Avena rapido, Porridge, Hot cereal

How to cook on the stove: 

1. In a pot, add milk or water. Use a 2-to-1 liquid to oatmeal ratio. This means for every 1 cup of uncooked oats you want to make, you add 2 cups of liquid. Add a pinch of salt if desired. 
2. Bring water or milk to a boil 
3. Once it reaches a boil, add oats, reduce to medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally
4. After 5 minutes, most of the liquid has been absorbed into the oats. Turn off the heat and then it is ready to serve!

Visual learner? Use this video to help:

How to cook in the microwave:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, add milk or water. Use a 2-to-1 liquid to oatmeal ratio. This means for every 1 cup of uncooked oats you want to make, you add 2 cups of liquid. (You may only be able to make ½ cup of oats at a time in the microwave). Add a pinch of salt if desired. Stir ingredients together. 
2. Microwave on high for 2.5-3 minutes. The bowl may be very hot when oatmeal is done cooking. When bowl has cooled, stir oats, and then it is ready to serve!

Visual learner? Use this video to help:

How to cook quick oats in a rice cooker:

1. In the rice cooker, add milk/water and oatmeal. Use a 1.75-to-1 liquid to oatmeal ratio. This means for every 1 cup of uncooked oats you want to make, you add 1¾ cups of liquid. Add a pinch of salt if desired. 
2. Cover rice cooker and turn on. When rice cooker beeps, the oats are done!

How to make basic overnight oats:

• ½ cup oats
• ½ cup milk of choice 
• ¼ cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon sweetener of choice if using plain yogurt (honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup are great options)

1. Combine all ingredients in a jar and cover with a lid
2. Put in refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight. Eat cold when ready!

Tip: This recipe is very customizable! You can add toppings before or after refrigeration.  

Tip: Make these up to 3 days in advance for an easy, grab and go breakfast

Recipes:

6 ways to customize your overnight oats (vegan options if using non-dairy milk and yogurt)

Oatmeal doesn’t always have to be sweet! This savory oatmeal recipe is a great start to the day

If you have a sweet tooth, try this maple brown sugar oatmeal