When we think of oatmeal, we usually picture a warm, sweet, and comforting breakfast. But oatmeal can be much more than that! Let's break away from the usual and make a simple, delicious Savory Oatmeal that's hearty, nourishing, and a refreshing change from the typical sugary start.
If you love easy, filling breakfasts, you might also enjoy my Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats, a perfect base for all kinds of toppings, sweet or savory!
In this recipe, we take hearty steel-cut oats and brighten them up with crisp vegetables and creamy yogurt. The result is a vibrant, satisfying meal that is perfect for mornings when you want something wholesome but not sweet.
And if you enjoy savory breakfasts, don't miss my easy Breakfast Potatoes with Mushrooms too!
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Why You'll Love This Savory Oatmeal
- A Fresh Twist: The creamy oats, crunchy veggies, and tangy yogurt make every bite enjoyable and full of texture.
- Make It Your Own: You can easily swap the vegetables, use different yogurt, or even add extra toppings based on what you have at home. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of Chickpea Sandwich Spread for extra flavor!
- Quick and Simple: Using an Instant Pot makes it even faster, but stovetop oats work great for small batches.
- Wholesome and Filling: Steel-cut oats are rich in fiber, and the yogurt and veggies boost the nutrition even more. (If you love wholesome breakfasts, you might also like my creamy Millet Porridge.)
Tips and Variations
Over the years, I've tried different ways to enjoy savory oatmeal, and here are some simple tips and easy variations from my kitchen that you can make on your own.
- Oats Swap: You can easily make this recipe using regular rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats. They cook faster and still taste delicious with the savory toppings!
- Add More Veggies: Bell peppers, spinach, grated carrots, or sautéed mushrooms would be great.
- Spice It Up: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce adds a nice kick.
- Boost the Protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas, lentils, or crumbled tofu.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: A little chopped cilantro or parsley brightens up the bowl beautifully.
- Choose Your Yogurt: Any plain yogurt works, try different types for subtle flavor changes!
- Yogurt Swaps: Don't have yogurt or want to try something new? Coconut milk works beautifully with savory oats. For a different texture, you can even stir in a spoonful of your favorite nut butter instead of yogurt or milk.
- Steamed or Raw Toppings: Not a fan of raw veggies? Top your oats with lightly steamed broccoli, corn, beans, or pumpkin for a cozy twist.
- Fruit Toppings: Would you prefer a touch of natural sweetness? Fresh banana or mango chunks go surprisingly well with savory oats when paired with yogurt.
- More Seasoning Ideas: Spice things up with curry powder, Cajun spice mix, or even a Mexican spice blend for an extra flavor boost.
Give it a try, and let your taste buds enjoy something new for breakfast!
I'd love to hear how you customize it; share your favorite combos in the comments below.
For more cozy and easy breakfast ideas, don't forget to browse my breakfast recipes, from creamy porridges like Millet Porridge to savory dishes like Breakfast Potatoes with Mushrooms. Happy breakfasting!
Savory Oatmeal Recipe (Easy and Hearty Breakfast Idea)
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 3 cups water plus extra if cooking on stovetop
- 1 cup plain yogurt I love using coconut yogurt for its subtle tang
- 1 cup chopped vegetables I used tomatoes and cucumber
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- Black pepper powder as per taste
- Salt as per taste
Instructions
Cooking the Steel-Cut Oats using an Instant Pot
- Add 1 cup of steel-cut oats to the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
- Pour in 3 cups of water and add a pinch of salt.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual or Pressure Cook mode on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally (this usually takes about 15-20 minutes).
- Carefully open the lid and give the oats a good stir. Your Instant Pot steel-cut oats are ready!
Cooking the Steel-Cut Oats using Stovetop Method
- For an even smoother texture, consider soaking the oats in water for at least an hour. If soaking overnight, store them in the refrigerator.
- Drain the soaked oats (if using) and add them to a saucepan with about 4 cups of fresh water for every 1 cup of steel-cut oats.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the oats are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Making Your Savory Steel-Cut Oats
- Stir in 1 cup of your chosen yogurt to the cooked oatmeal. The creaminess of the yogurt adds a lovely richness to the oats.
- Now, add 1 cup of your favorite chopped vegetables. The freshness and crunch of the tomato and cucumber work wonderfully here.
- Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of cumin powder, a pinch or two of pepper powder (adjust to your liking), and salt to taste.
- Mix everything together thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Serve warm and enjoy a comforting, savory start to your day!
Notes
- Swap yogurt with coconut milk or nut butter for a creamy texture.
- Use raw or steamed veggies like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers.
- Fresh fruits like bananas or mango also pair well with yogurt.
- Spice it up with cumin, curry powder, Cajun mix, or Mexican spices.
- You can use rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats for quicker cooking.
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