My Go-To Overnight Oats Recipe

There are three types of people in this world,

Those who look forward to breakfast the night before, those who treat breakfast as a part of responsible adulting, and those who never have enough time for it.

For these three types of individuals,
overnight oats is our unifying answer to the breakfast equation.

Overnight oats is highly underrated.

It has always came second to the more popular of its siblings i.e. granola, energy bars and even muesli, despite being made from the same main ingredient.

It’s fault might be in its name. Because other than being closely associated with the bland, gummy staple that saved our parents’ generation from a heart disease pandemic, overnight oats is nothing but fabulously delicious and super simple to make.

Perhaps an image revamp is needed. Or perhaps it is our mindset that needs shifting. #deep

Let me try to change your mind.

Minimal effort
The method to making overnight oats basically consists of only one step: Step 1. Mix everything together.
That really is just it.

It requires zero cooking, so it works well for even those who do not have a proper kitchen or utensils, just a fridge to store it in if you are leaving it for the next day. Soaking the oats in a liquid softens them the same way cooking them with heat would. So it basically ‘cooks’ while you sleep!
That’s right. Compounding interest and your partner aren’t the only things that’s passive.

Also, because there is no oil or cooking involve, cleaning up is a breeze. Make it in a reusable container and you’re basically saving the environment!

Highly Versatile
I don’t know about you but I do not have a self sustaining garden behind my thatched cottage where I have organic, fresh sun-kissed peaches or juicy berries ripe & ready to be picked and added to an overnight oats recipe that calls for it.
What’s so great about overnight oats is that, except for the main ingredient (oats), the rest of the ingredients that go into it are customizable according to your needs and preferences. 

Vegan? Use plant based milks. Allergic to nuts? Skip them. Love fruit? Add all of your favourite.

The variety of delicious toppings that can be added to overnight oats makes the combination possibilities endless and really is just limited to your imagination.
Go classic or go crazy. You do you.

Chock full of nutrients
Overnight oats is a healthy breakfast option for those who want to eat well.
The oats used are a great source of highly soluble fibre, which means it gets digested slower, making you feel full for longer. This is the perfect way to sustain you through those hectic days, because Hangry isn’t a good look on anyone.

Additional toppings that are usually added such as nuts, seeds and fruits are packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are good for our mind and bodies (and glowing skin, of course) . 

What you’ll need

Oats
Rolled oats, Quick cook oats, Instant oats, Steel cut oats

The difference between these is basically how small and thinly the grains are cut. Less processed oats like rolled and steel cut may require slightly more liquid and longer soaking times but result in a satisfyingly chewier bite. Quick cook oats and instant oats on the other hand generally softens faster with less liquids and may result in a mushy texture if too much is added.

Liquid
Milk : Fresh, Full cream, Low fat, Skim
Alternative milk: Almond milk, cashew milk, oat milk, soymilk, coconut milk
Yogurt: Low fat, Greek, kefir 
Instant drink powders: Milo, Instant Soymilk, Horlicks
Juice: This will give your oats a sweeter but less creamy consistency.
Water: Using just plain drinking water will result in a less creamy texture. Don’t torture yourself if you don’t have to, OK

Nuts & Seeds
Nuts: Cashews, almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, pecans, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia
Seeds: Pumpkin seeds sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, sesame seeds

Fruits
Dried, frozen or fresh works well

Others
Nut butters
Cocoa nibs
Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, tumeric
Sweeteners: Honey, Maple syrup

Below is the basic recipe I use for overnight oats. It is milky and naturally sweetened from the bananas and raisins. It also acts as a really good base for variations (which I’ll share in future posts!)
I usually top it with whatever I have on hand or feel like having on that particular day.

Please feel free to modify it and make the recipe to your own preferences.

My Go-To Overnight Oats Recipe

Ingredients
makes 1 serving

• 4 tbsp Oats
• Milk (Enough so that the milk covers slightly more than the oats in your jar)
• 1 tsp chia seeds
• Raisins
• Half banana, roughly chopped
• Toppings of choice

Steps

1. Spoon oats into jar
2. Stir chia seeds & raisins in
3. Pour in fresh milk. If you like runnier oats or are using rolled oats, add more milk
4. Stir in chia seeds, raisins & roughly chopped bananas
5. Keep in fridge overnight or for at least 6 hours. (or until oats are softened to your liking)
6. Top with your favourite ingredients before serving

I topped mine with blueberries, dried strawberries, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds and more bananas. This version can be prepared ahead and kept for up to 3 days in the fridge.

I hope you’ll try this out for yourself ! ❤

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