How to Make Quaker Oat: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever craved a bowl of warm, creamy oatmeal to start your day, but you don’t know how to prepare it? Don’t worry; you can easily make your own. Quaker Oats are readily available in Nigeria, and making oatmeal is a cinch.

All you need are a few simple ingredients: oats, water, salt, and maybe some sugar and milk. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a hearty, wholesome breakfast to power you through your morning. Follow this step-by-step guide to make delicious Quaker Oats right in your own kitchen using basic ingredients.

The Health Benefits of Quaker Oats

Quaker Oats are not only delicious and easy to prepare, but they also come with a multitude of health benefits. Incorporating Quaker Oats into your daily routine can significantly enhance your well-being. Let’s explore some of the incredible advantages these oats bring to the table.

High in Fiber

Quaker Oats are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is crucial for a healthy digestive system. Fiber aids in preventing constipation and promotes regular bowel movements. It also helps control blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of developing diabetes. By starting your day with a bowl of Quaker Oats, you’re giving your body the fiber it needs to stay on track.

Heart-Healthy

With heart disease being a leading cause of mortality worldwide, it’s essential to take care of your cardiovascular health. Quaker Oats can play a significant role in this regard. They contain a type of fiber called beta-glucan, which has been proven to lower cholesterol levels. By incorporating Quaker Oats into your diet, you’re actively working towards maintaining a healthy heart.

Packed with Essential Nutrients

Quaker Oats are a nutrient powerhouse. They are loaded with vitamins and minerals that your body requires to function optimally. Oats are an excellent source of iron, which helps transport oxygen throughout your body and prevents fatigue. They also contain magnesium, which promotes healthy muscle function and regulates blood pressure. By enjoying a bowl of Quaker Oats, you’re fueling your body with essential nutrients.

Weight Management

If you’re looking to shed a few pounds or maintain a healthy weight, Quaker Oats can be your best friend. Oats are low in calories but incredibly filling. The high fiber content keeps you satisfied for longer, reducing the urge to snack on unhealthy options. Including Quaker Oats in your diet can assist you in achieving your weight management goals.

Versatile and Delicious

Aside from their numerous health advantages, Quaker Oats are also incredibly versatile. You can customize your oatmeal by adding various toppings and flavors to suit your taste buds. Whether you prefer fresh fruits, nuts, or a drizzle of honey, the possibilities are endless. With Quaker Oats, you can enjoy a nutritious and scrumptious meal every morning.

Quaker Oats have no cholesterol is naturally low in sodium, sugar and gluten-free. Eating oats may help lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels. Oats contain compounds called avenanthramides that have antioxidant effects and may help reduce inflammation in the body.

How to make Quaker Oat

There are 3 types of Quaker Oats with different methods of preparation and timing. Listed below are the types, ingredients, and the different ways to prepare them to perfection.

Old Fashioned Quaker Oat

Stovetop (1 Serving)

• 1/2 cup of oats
• 1 Cup of water or milk
• Dash of salt (this is optional)

Direction

On the stovetop, making a bowl of oatmeal is pretty straightforward.

1. First, boil some water or milk and add a pinch of salt. For extra flavor, you can also add a bit of brown sugar, honey, or cinnamon.
2. Once the liquid is bubbling, stir in 1 part oats to 2 parts liquid. For example, use 1/2 cup of oats and 1 cup of water or milk. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until the oats thicken up, usually 3 to 5 minutes.

Be sure to keep an eye on the oats as they cook and stir them often so they don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. When the oats reach your desired consistency, remove it from heat. You can add in extras like:

• Chopped fruit
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Maple syrup

Your hearty and wholesome bowl of oatmeal is ready to enjoy! Using the stovetop method gives you full control over the thickness and cooking time so you can make your oats exactly the way you like them.

Microwave (1 Serving)

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 cup water or milk
• Dash of salt (optional)

Direction

1. Pour the oat mixture into a microwave-safe bowl. A bowl that holds 2 to 3 cups works well for a single serving. Pour water, milk, salt or sugar into the mixture.
2. Microwave the oats on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Note that; The timing will depend on the strength of your microwave.
3. Stir the oats thoroughly before serving. The oats will continue to thicken as they cool. If the oats are not thick enough, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until the desired consistency is reached.

Be very careful removing the bowl from the microwave, as the high heat will warm the sides. The cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the type strength of your microwave. Old Fashioned Quaker oats tend to take a little longer than Instant oats.

Rice Cooker (1 Serving)

A rice cooker is a simple way to make a hot breakfast of oatmeal. Here are the steps:

• 1 cup oats
• 1-3/4 cup low-fat milk
• Dash of salt (optional)

Direction

1. Combine 1 cup milk, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup Quaker Oats (old-fashioned Quaker Oats), and 1/4 teaspoon salt in the rice cooker. For extra flavor, add a bit of brown sugar, honey, or fruit like bananas.
2. Close the lid and turn the rice cooker on. The oatmeal will start to bubble, usually around 3 to 5 minutes total. Fluff with a spoon and serve topped with extras like fruit, nuts, coconut, or cinnamon.

Using a rice cooker allows you to make oatmeal on the counter without having to stand over the stove, stirring constantly.

Instant Oats

Hot Water or Milk Preparation (1 Serving)

To prepare a hot bowl of instant Oats, you have two options: hot milk or boiling water.

• Empty the packet into a bowl.
• Add up to 1/2 cup of hot milk or boiling water, and stir.
• Let stand for 2 minutes.

Hot Milk

For a richer, creamier bowl of oats, use hot milk.

1. Heat 1 to 1 1/2 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it’s hot but not boiling.
2. Pour the hot milk over the oats in your bowl. The oats will absorb the milk as it stands.
3. Let the oats stand for 2 minutes, then stir and enjoy! You can add a bit more milk for a thinner consistency.

Boiling Water

For a lighter option, use boiling water.

1. Bring 1 to 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil, then pour over the oats in your bowl.
2. Let stand for 2 minutes, then stir and enjoy your bowl of oats.
3. Add a bit more boiling water for a thinner consistency or less water for thicker oats.

Either the hot milk or boiling water methods will produce a delicious hot breakfast. Customize your oats with your favorite toppings like fresh or dried fruit, nuts, cinnamon, or brown sugar. Enjoy!

Microwave (1 Serving)

To make a single serving of Instant Oats in the microwave, follow these simple steps:

1. Empty one packet of Quaker Oats into a microwave-safe bowl. The packet itself can be used as a measuring cup for adding liquid.
2. Add 3/4 cup of milk or water and stir well. For creamier oatmeal, use milk. For lighter oatmeal, use water. Either will work, so choose based on your personal preference.
3. Microwave the oatmeal on HIGH for 60 to 75 seconds. The exact time will depend on the power of your microwave. Start with 60 seconds and check on your oatmeal. If it needs more time, continue heating in 15-second bursts, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired consistency. Be very careful removing the bowl from the microwave, as the contents and bowl will be extremely hot!
4. Let the oatmeal stand for 2 minutes before eating. This allows it to thicken up and cool down to an edible temperature. You can top your oatmeal with fresh fruit, nuts, brown sugar or your favorite spices like cinnamon to jazz it up. Enjoy your delicious Quaker Oats!

Quick 1-minute Oats

Stove Top (1 Serving)

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 cup water or milk
• Dash of salt (optional)

Direction

For stove top oats, use these steps:

1. Bring 1 part milk or water and a pinch of salt to a boil. For creamier oatmeal, use milk. For lighter oatmeal, use water.
2. Add 1/2 cup of oats (instant oats).
3. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring frequently, for 1 minute. Stir the oats thoroughly while cooking to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Stir in extras like fruit, nuts or brown sugar and enjoy!

The best part about making oatmeal on the stovetop is that you can customize it to your perfect thickness and add whatever toppings you like.

Microwave (1 Serving)

To make quick 1-minute oatmeal in the microwave, grab a microwave-safe bowl and the following ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Quaker Oats (old-fashioned or quick oats)
• 1 cup water or milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, adds flavor)

Combine the oatmeal, liquid and salt in the bowl. For extra flavor, you can also add in mix-ins like:

• Chopped fruit like bananas, berries or peaches
• Nuts like almonds or walnuts
• Seeds such as chia or flax seeds
• Cinnamon, nutmeg or vanilla extract

Microwave the oatmeal on HIGH for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Stir the oatmeal well before serving, and enjoy!

Microwaving oatmeal is a quick and easy way to make a hot breakfast at home. Let the oatmeal stand for a minute before eating to allow it to cool to an edible temperature. Customize your oatmeal with your favorite mix-ins and toppings.

Tips for Preparing Your Best Bowl of Oatmeal

To make the perfect bowl of oatmeal, keep these tips in mind:

• Add a liquid. Water, milk, or a milk alternative can be used. For creamier oats, use milk or non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
• Don’t overcook. Cook the oats according to the package directions, usually around 3 to 5 minutes. Overcooking can lead to mushy oats, so keep an eye on them.
• Top it off. Crown your oatmeal with extras like more fresh fruit, yogurt or cream, honey, maple syrup or brown sugar.

Making a wholesome, balanced and nutritious breakfast is a great way to start your day. Following these tips will help you whip up a warm, comforting bowl of oatmeal to energize your morning.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a step-by-step guide to making delicious Quaker Oats porridge right in your own kitchen. Following these simple steps, you’ll be enjoying a hearty, creamy bowl of oats in no time. Homemade oats are so much more satisfying and cost-effective. Share the recipe with friends and family; before you know it, Quaker Oats porridge could become your new favorite breakfast tradition. Give it a go; you’ve got nothing to lose and a whole new morning routine to gain. Happy cooking and bon appetit!