Ode to Oats
Oats are one of my favourite grains. They are versatile, easy to cook and have a wonderfully grounding quality to them. Considered to be one of the 7 ‘Ancient Grains’ they are high in important bits like protein, soluble fibre and antioxidants. They can also help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels and are a slow-release food, keeping you fuller for longer.
Which is all great. But really, I use them so much because of the taste and how adaptable and affordable they are. Buy organic versions where you can. (In Ireland Supervalu do their own organic oats and Flahavans also have one both of which are well priced and have the added benefit of coming in paper container rather than the fancier Bunalun organic ones which come in plastic.)
Basics like porridge are a great place to start on your Oat Journey. Take a peek at my overnight oats recipe below for some ideas to get you started. Leftover porridge can also be turned in to buns for the kids very easily- I tell you how here.
Here are five of my favourite oat recipes that I use year round. They are all on the sweeter side of things but I also use oats for toppings for vegetable bakes and crumbles, whizz em up to make a flour for baking and make great facemasks with them mixed up with milk, or yoghurt or coconut oil (there are lots of recipes out there on the interweb). So take a peek at the recipes below and get yer oat-on!
Overnight Oats with Date Drizzle and Toasted Almonds