Looking for a thick and creamy tasty breakfast oatmeal? Make this Savory Spinach Oatmeal with Fried Eggs. Plus, read on to find different ways to dress up your savory bowl of oats!
Types of Oats to Use
Whole Oat Groats: Whole grain oat groats have the whole kernel intact. Because of this it take the longest to cook. There is nutritious value in all types of oatmeal but since whole grain oat groats are the least processed or changed type of oatmeal there is more nutritional value.
Steel Cut Oats: Steel Cut Oats are really my favorite type of oatmeal to use. It’s basically steel oat groats cut into smaller pieces It’s more palatable. Although it take a considerable amount of time to cook, it’s definitely quicker then regular steel oat groats.
Old Fashion Oats: I have to say, the most common type I notice on the shelves is old fashion oats. These are oats are cooked and rolled thinly into flakes. Old fashion oats are great for overnight oatmeal, baking, as well as no bake recipes!
Instant Oats: Instant Oats are already pre cooked, dried, cut and then rolled more thinly. As the name suggests, it’s the quickest type oat to cook and usually takes about 1 minute to cook. Out of all the different types, quick oats work well for when I’m on the go. You can take individual packets of quick oats with you to make at work or when out an about to enjoy an easy breakfast.
Ingredients
Garlic:
Oil: Olive oil is used to sautee aromatic garlic to provide flavor to this savory oatmeal.
Steel Cut Oats:
Vegetable Broth: Use vegetable broth instead of liquid to cook for flavor. Chicken broth works well for savory oats.
Cheese:
Spinach
Eggs: Top off your bowl with a good fried eggs. Break the yolk open and dig in to enjoy.
How to Make Savory Oatmeal
Heat a medium to large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil and garlic and sautée until garlic is translucent (about 15-30 seconds). Stir in the steel cut oats to evenly coat. Continue stirring for up to 1 minute.
Next, add liquid (the vegetable broth) to the pot. Mix and bring to a boil. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer. Let the oats cook for 25-30 minutes.
While oatmeal simmers, let’s make the fried eggs. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil to the pan. Move the pan around to evenly coat the bottom. Take you egg and crack directly into the pan. Cook egg sunny side up for 1-2 minutes or until the egg whites is set. Remove from pan. Repeat this step and cook the second egg. Set cooked fried eggs to the side. I like to cook the eggs closer to end of cooking time for the oats.
The oatmeal should have absorbed a lot of the liquid. While still hot, add on the toppings to make everything complete. Add in cheese (optional) and spinach and stir. If you have thick oatmeal like this it may look a little crazy at first. Trust me it will all turn out fine. Generously stir cheese and spinach into oats and the heat will break down the spinach and melt the cheese. Taste the oatmeal and season as needed. Plate your oatmeal and plop a fried egg on top to enjoy!
Oatmeal Tips
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! Make a big batch of oatmeal in advance. Portion into small containers. I’d hold off on the egg until you’re ready to eat the oatmeal. To enjoy, quickly heat up the oats in small sauce pan or microwave (adding any additional liquid as needed) and then mix in the cheese and spinach and top with an egg.
Can I make this recipe be made into overnight oats? An honest answer to this question would be yes! Overnight oats is a great way to go. For this recipe, I suggest hot. If going this route explore a quick cooking oatmeal like old fashion oats. This would also require less liquid than steel cut oats. This recipe was not tested as overnight oats but will certainly work this way. I would also be mindful of the toppings. Hold off on adding cheese and spinach.
How much salt to add? When I use broth that has salt I tend not to use any salt in my oats. The salt from the broth is enough for me. If using no salt added broth, gradually add in small amount of salt and test to season to your desire.
What other topping can I use? Cheese, spinach, and fried eggs are not the only options. Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley. Cook oats with mushrooms and top with diced tomatoes or even an avocado.
If you enjoy this recipe, you’ll love:
Chocolate Oatmeal with Strawberries
Savory Spinach Oatmeal with Fried Eggs
Thick and creamy Savory Oatmeal with Fried Eggs is the best filling breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 4 cup vegetable broth
- ½ cup shredded cheese
- 3 cups spinach
- 2 eggs
- salt and pepper
Instructions
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Heat a medium sized pot over medium heat add oil. Add garlic and sautéed for 15 seconds. Pour the steel cut oats and stir for about 1 minute.
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Next, pour broth (broth preferred for more flavor). Stir and bring to a boil and the lower heat/simmer for about 25-30 minutes.
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While oatmeal is cooking heat a skillet over medium heat. Crack eggs directly into pan. Cook sunny side up for 2-3 minutes or until egg whites starts to set. Remove eggs from pan and set aside.
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Remove from heat. While hot stir in shredded cheese and spinach until spinach starts to wilt. Top with a fried egg.
Jasmin Foster is a registered dietitian/food photographer focused on feel good balanced living providing recipes and tips to help you live your best life.
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