Soaked Oatmeal Basics :: Plus 6 Different Recipes! (2024)

FAQs

Should you soak oats in the fridge or room temperature? ›

All grains contain something called “phytic acid”—or phytates—in the outer layer or bran, and oats contain more phytates than almost any other grain. If you soak your oats overnight at room temperature (do not put them in the fridge!)

This process involves soaking the oats in liquid , such as water or milk , for a period of time before consuming them . The recommended time for soaking oats is typically between 8 - 12 hours , although some sources suggest soaking for as little as 20 minutes .

Lectins are reduced by cooking and further reduced by soaking and then cooking. Soaking is simple to do, place the desired amount of oatmeal into a cooking pot 10-12 hours before you plan on preparing the oatmeal. Cover it with water, and add a little lemon juice or vinegar to reduce phytic acid (another gut irritant).

By soaking your oats you neutralize the phytic acid. This soaking allows the beneficial enzymes to work and increases the number of vitamins and minerals present that your body will absorb. On the plus side, the process of rolling oats removes at least part of the bran, where a large portion of the phytic acid resides.

Gently rinsing soaked oats not only helps them to be less “pasty” in texture, but also helps to reduce any sour flavor that may develop as a result of the soaking process.

As Best points out, "some of the worst ingredients that are mistakenly added to healthy overnight oat recipes include chocolate sauce, sugar, syrup, and dried fruit."

Again, overnight oats can stay five days in the fridge. But if you like them chewy, just let them stay there for three days. So, to meal prep breakfast for the seven days of the week, follow these easy tips: Make overnight oats in two portions and two jars.

Can I use water instead of milk in overnight oats? Yes, but the results may be pretty bland in flavor. Milk adds a creaminess as well. But water will work if you prefer to use it in place of a milk option.

Soaking raw oats before consumption can help you absorb more of the beneficial nutrients and vitamins found in them than if you were to cook them. It is easy to incorporate raw oats into your diet; from overnight oats to homemade protein bars, these recipes that highlight how versatile and delicious raw oats can be.

Active lectins are what's found in raw plants. But boiling, baking, pressure-cooking and soaking can deactivate those lectins, so they're not going to have the same effect as they would if you ate them raw. Fermentation, sprouting and removing peels and seeds can also reduce the amount of active lectin in plant foods.

Should I worry about phytic acid in oats? ›

It may contribute to mineral deficiencies over time, but this is rarely a concern for people who eat well-balanced diets. Phytic acid is a unique natural substance found in plant seeds. It has received considerable attention due to its effects on mineral absorption.

Oats can cause gas and bloating. To minimize side effects, start with a low dose and increase slowly to the desired amount. Your body will get used to oat bran and the side effects will likely go away. When applied to the skin: Lotion containing oat extract is possibly safe to use on the skin.

When you soak oats, it's almost like you're cooking them without heat. Soaking helps the starches break down and reduces the natural phytic acid, which may help your body utilize the oats' nutrients much more efficiently. Overnight oats are healthier for your gut.

Add 1 cup oats to a large saucepan and top with 2 cups water (or, if making more or less, just make sure there is double the water as there are oats). Cover and soak for 6 hours or overnight (see notes for shortcuts). This will improve digestibility and also slightly speed cooking time.

We shouldn't be soaking our overnight oats in the refrigerator, we should be soaking them with warm water, at room temperature—or even warmer. And would you believe that cooking the oats afterwards actually makes them even MORE nutritious.

Mix oats with warm water and acid (whey, yogurt etc). Leave in a warm place for at least 7 hours, up to 24. When ready to cook, bring additional 1 cup of water to a boil with sea salt. Add soaked oats, reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 5 minutes.

That soaking process allows the oats to absorb the liquid and soften them enough to eat uncooked. You only need to let the oats soak and rest in the fridge for 2 hours. But, it's ideal if you soak it overnight…hence the name overnight oats!

Let them soak for at least 2 hours for the oats to soften, but overnight is best. If the oats are too thick, add a splash of water to thin out. Top with toppings and enjoy!