Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Savory Instant Oatmeal Ideas







Many instant oatmeals on the market have up to 3 grams of heart healthy and satiating soluble fiber.


Oats are so popular, they are sold in more forms than any other grain on the market. But the most common and easily prepared is the instant variety. For the most part, instant oatmeal is flavored with sweet ingredients like raisins and brown sugar, but savory instant oatmeal is also a delicious -- and nutritious -- way to start your day. Since instant oatmeal soaks up liquid much the way rice and small grain pasta dishes do, you can look to you favorite risotto or pasta for inspiration on prepare a savory instant oatmeal dish.


Bacon and Egg Oatmeal Carbonara








Pasta carbonara is a popular Italian dish made simply with bacon, eggs and cooked pasta. A bacon and egg oatmeal carbonara can be made with a similar method. Prepare instant oatmeal according to package directions with the addition of salt, pepper and minced dried onion. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook two strips of bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and roughly chop. Set aside. In the same skillet, softly scramble two eggs. Add the bacon back to the skillet and mix with the eggs. Then add the cooked and seasoned oatmeal and stir until well mixed. Garnish with 1 tbsp. of Parmesan cheese.


Oatmeal and Egg Breakfast Bowl


Instant oatmeal makes a great base for a savory breakfast of eggs and avocado. The grains and fiber in the oatmeal mean you don't need bread. Instead make a savory breakfast bowl by cooking instant oatmeal according to package directions and top with a fried egg cooked to your liking. Add salt and pepper and slices of fresh avocado and a few dashes of hot sauce.


Savory Miso Oatmeal


Instant oatmeal can be seasoned with miso for an Asian take on breakfast. Like oatmeal, miso is a natural energy booster. Add 3 cups of water to one pack of instant oatmeal and cook over low heat for up to 3 minutes. Add chunks of tofu and season with 3 tbsp. of miso powder. Cook for one minute more and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.


Mushroom Oatmeal


Simply sauteing vegetables such as seasoned mushroom and adding them to your instant oatmeal is a quick and healthy way to prepare a savory meal. Saute 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms and 1/2 chopped shallot in a skillet with olive oil and garlic for four minutes. Meanwhile, prepare instant oatmeal accruing to package directions but use chicken broth instead of water. Stir the cooked oatmeal into the mushroom mixture and season with salt and pepper.

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