Ingredients for two portions
Prepare 80 g of rolled oats, 400 ml of milk or water and a small pinch of salt if desired. Add fruit or cinnamon to taste when serving. Allow two minutes for preparation and five to eight minutes for cooking, depending on the oats and desired texture. Also consult the packet instructions. Larger flakes or differently processed products may require another cooking interval and an adjusted quantity of liquid.
Heat without letting it stick
Put the oats and liquid in a small saucepan. Heat over a medium heat until simmering, then reduce to low. Stir frequently, particularly near the bottom, to distribute heat and follow the thickening. Use a pan with enough room for the mixture to rise without overflowing. Milk can foam and needs attention. Do not leave the pan boiling unattended while preparing other parts of the meal.
Adjust the consistency
Cook until the oats are soft and the texture suits you. If the mixture becomes too thick before then, add a little more liquid and stir. If too runny, continue for a little longer, stirring. Remember that it tends to thicken somewhat while resting. The starting ratio is a reference rather than a rule requiring the same consistency from every variety of oats.
Serve with a simple choice
Remove from the heat and rest for around a minute before dividing between bowls. Add your chosen accompaniment and taste before adding sweetener. Different fruit can change the overall flavour considerably. Start with a small combination, such as banana and cinnamon, to understand the base. Several ingredients need not be added at once to make the meal interesting. The centre can remain very hot even when the surface seems cooler.
Repeat and adapt
Note the type of oats, liquid and approximate cooking time. These details help reproduce a successful texture. Replacing milk with water or another drink changes flavour and may alter consistency. Observe the change and add liquid gradually. The photograph is illustrative and may show different toppings. This recipe describes preparation, makes no therapeutic claims and does not replace individual dietary requirements.
