Take a tiny spoonful and blow on it because it’s hot. Taste it. Does it taste like warm, comfort food? Perfect. Does it taste a little flat? Add another miniscule pinch of salt. Salt is the fairy godmother of bland oats—it wakes them up and makes them sing.
If you’re feeling adventurous (or just desperate for flavor), add a sprinkle of cinnamon while they’re still cooking. Or a splash of vanilla extract. Or a spoonful of peanut butter stirred in at the very end. The world is your oat-y oyster.
Remember: this is your breakfast. You are the captain of this oat vessel. Do not let anyone tell you that you can’t add a dash of maple syrup or a handful of frozen blueberries. Go wild. Be free.
The Great Bowl Transfer
Pour your glorious, steaming oat creation into a bowl. Not a plate. A plate is for cowards. You want a bowl that can hold all that goodness without spilling. Add your toppings: a drizzle of honey, a slice of banana, a few walnuts, a sprinkle of chocolate chips—yes, chocolate for breakfast is acceptable when oats are involved.
Pro tip: Let the bowl sit for one minute before eating. This lets the oats cool down from “lava” to “comfortably hot.” It also lets the flavors settle and become friends. It’s like a tiny meditation retreat for your breakfast.
How to Make Oatmeal Water: 7 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow
And here’s the secret that no one tells you: oats in water are incredibly customizable. Don’t like raisins? Skip ’em. Want a savory version? Cook the oats in water with a little soy sauce, then top with a fried egg and scallions. You just made savory porridge. You’re a genius.
