We’ve all heard how breakfast is ‘the most important meal of the day’, right? We’d have to agree. There’s nothing like a hearty bowl of whatever your go-to morning fuel is to set you up in good stead for the day. That said, it’s all too easy to stumble out of bed and make do with whatever’s at hand, turning the most important meal of the day into the most rushed! That is, until overnight oats started cropping up all across healthy eating and nutrition blogs.
What Are They?
Overnight oats might be experiencing a rise in popularity at the moment, but they’re not all that new. The dish is thought to be pioneered by a Swiss doctor back in 1900, who was looking for a quick and easy way to serve the patients in his hospital something nutritious for breakfast. No prizes for guessing that the recipe has something to do with preparing everything the night before.They’re very simple to make, just take your porridge oats (rough cut will do), add some Graham’s milk, cover and place in the fridge before you go to bed. The result? Deliciously soft and healthy oats when you wake up, no effort needed other than to enjoy them!
Serving suggestions
If you’ve got a breakfast staple that you just can’t go without in the morning, chances are it’ll fit in seamlessly with your overnight oats. Fruit makes a great addition; why not try grated apple, blueberries or banana? It really won’t add much time to your prep at all. Or, for extra texture you can also use jumbo oats, perhaps even toasting them slightly in a pan before soaking? A drizzle of honey is also a winner for those who prefer a bit of extra sweetness.
They’re healthy too!
Overnight oats are a high protein option that’s great for keeping you feeling fuller for longer into your day – meaning you’re less likely to reach for that cheeky 11 o’clock snack. They’re great for your heart too as the beta-glucans found in oats are fantastic at fighting cholesterol levels. Not only that but the simple act of preparing this particular breakfast the night before will help you avoid going for something quick and sugary.
There’s loads more you can do with this simple dish. Just search ‘overnight oats’ on our website for an apple and cinnamon version from Three Sisters Bake.
