Oats 5 Ways

University is a busy time – everyone knows that. I thought I was prepared but what I wasn’t ready for was the horrible eating schedule that came along with it. I left for classes as early as 9 and wouldn’t have time for a proper meal till 3 in the afternoon. And let’s face it, snacking isn’t half as satisfying as an actual meal you can sit down for. 

I always loved oatmeal as a simple breakfast but I recently realized there was so much more beyond just plain, boring oats. Since it was the only grain in my dorm, I got creative with it and used that one ingredient for literally EVERY RECIPE… I usually use quick oats, as I find them most convenient but you can use any that you prefer. Here are some of the oats recipes I’ve discovered. 

1. OATS Pancakes. 

Ingredients: 

½ cup oats 

¼ cup milk 

¼ cup water 

½ banana 

3 tbsp honey  

Pinch of salt 

1 ½ tsp baking powder. 

Directions: 

1. Add all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. 
2. Heat a skillet or pan on medium heat and pour the batter onto the skillet, about ¼ of it at a time. 
3. You will notice the batter bubbling and the bubble bursting. After about 2 minutes when quite a few bubbles have appeared, flip it and cook the other side. 
4. Repeat for the rest of the batter. 
5. Serve with your favorite toppings. I go for nutella and peanut butter with some fresh strawberries. 

2. Black Forest Overnight Oats 

This has been my go-to breakfast and snack.

Ingredients: 

¼ cup oats 

¼ cup milk 

½ tsp chia seeds 

1 tbsp honey (or sweetener of choice) 

1tbsp unsweetened cocoa 

Vanilla yogurt 

2 tbsp Cherry sauce 

Chocolate chips

Directions:

1. In a bowl mix oats, milk, chia seeds, sweetener, and cocoa powder until everything is well incorporated. 
2. In your serving bowl or tall glass, add 2 spoonfuls of oats mixture and a spoonful of yogurt, and a small dollop of cherry sauce. Repeat for the entire batter. 
3. Top it off with an extra thick layer of yogurt, chocolate chips and of course, don’t forget the cherry on top! 

3. Peach Crumble Squares 

This one looks really fancy and is REALLY simple. 

Ingredients: 

For the crust:

1 ¼ cup oats powdered by blending 

½ tsp baking powder 

Pinch of salt 

1 ½ tbsp butter 

3 tbsp milk 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

3 tbsp honey 

For the filling: 

1 ½ cup diced peaches 

1 tbsp cornstarch 

½ tsp cinnamon powder 

2 tbsp water 

Topping: 

½ oats 

1 tsp cinnamon 

3 tbsp honey 

1 tsp butter(melted) 

Directions: 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. 
2. To make the crust, whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl and the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 4-5 parts, mixing to incorporate everything after each time. You might need to knead the mixture a little. Press this mixture onto the base of your well-greased baking tin layered with parchment paper for easy removal. 
3. To prepare the filling, toss the peaches in cornstarch and cinnamon till they are well coated. 
4. To make the topping, stir together the oats, cinnamon, and pour in the honey and butter. Use your hands to mix into a crumbly mixture. 
5. Add your filling into the crust. Cover the peaches well with the topping crumbs and pop them into the oven for 25-30 minutes till the crumble gets a gorgeous brown color.
6. Cool completely and let the bars rest for at least 3 hours before slicing and serving. 

4. Carrot cake Baked oats 

Healthy, easy, and delicious is all I have to say about this lovely recipe. 

Ingredients: 

½ cup oats 

½ cup+2 tbsp milk 

½ tbsp yogurt 

1 tsp baking powder 

3 tbsp honey 

1 carrot grated 

½ tsp cinnamon 

½ tsp nutmeg powder 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. In a blender, add all the ingredients except the carrot and blend till you get a smooth batter. The batter should be runny and not too thick. 
3. Fold the grated carrot into the batter using a spoon. 
4. Grease your baking pan and pour the batter into it. 
5. Bake for 15 to 20 min. Your carrot cake should rise and then crack. 
6. Serve hot with chilled yogurt and crushed walnuts. 

5. Oats Halwa 

Halwa is an Indian delicacy and also my grandmother’s favorite thing to make. Usually, halwa is a very decadent, and unfortunately, unhealthy dessert. One day, my grandma and I decided to make a healthy, nutritious low-fat Halwa. 

Ingredients: 

1 cup oats 

½ tbsp clarified butter (you can also use normal butter) 

2 ¼ cup milk 

⅓ cup honey 

A handful of your favorite dry fruits 

⅛ teaspoon cardamom powder 

⅛ teaspoon nutmeg powder 

1 pinch saffron strands 

Directions: 

1. Dry Roast the oats for 4-5 minutes until you can smell their aroma. 
2. Add the toasted oats to a blender and blend till powdered. 
3. Add dry fruits in a pan and roast till golden. Set aside. 
4. In another pan, add in the oats powder and stir for 2 more minutes.
5. Mix saffron, cardamom, and nutmeg powder into the milk.
6. Add in the milk to the oats and cook until thickened 
7. Add in the honey. The mixture should really thicken up now. Add butter and more milk if needed. 
8. Cook until the halwa starts leaving the pan. Top with dry fruits.