I’ve always made oatmeal in the same way. I first boil the oats in water or milk, adding a bit of sugar when they’re done, and then top them with cinnamon, dates, and yoghurt. It’s a filling breakfast that will keep me going until lunch. I have discovered a new method to flavour oats by cooking it in tea. Yes, you read it correctly: a lot of oatmeal devotees are pushing tea as the new milk. I decided to try tea-infused oatmeal myself, despite my reservations. Has it improved my favourite breakfast? Continue reading to find out what happened.
Cooking oats in milk or water is common practise. However, these are both really dull substances. Tea, on the other hand, is lively and full of flavour. Dropping your chosen tea bag into your cooking oats adds aromas ranging from citrus to flowery, earthy to spicy. Tea is also high in polyphenols, which are nutritious substances that may protect against heart disease and stroke. Tea becomes a delightful and healthful addition to conventional oatmeal as a result of this.
You can use any type of tea for this hack, but I selected Tazo’s Sweet Cinnamon Spice Herbal Tea ($4.29) for its gentle spice and cosy scent. Here are the steps for creating a single serving of tea-infused oatmeal:
- Over medium heat, bring 12 cup water to a boil. Steep the tea bag for 5 minutes (or the time indicated on the box of tea).
- Remove the tea bag and add 1 cup of rolled oats. If using instant or steel cut oats, follow the package directions for measuring and cooking time on the stovetop.
- Cook, stirring regularly, for 5 minutes, or until the oats have absorbed all of the tea. Mix with a pinch of white sugar.
- Fill a bowl halfway with oats and top with chopped Medjool dates, plain yoghurt, and a drizzle of maple syrup (or whatever toppings you prefer). Enjoy!
The idea is straightforward. Instead of cooking your oats in a saucepan of simmering water, try cooking them in a pot of simmering tea. That is, once your pot of water comes to a boil, steep a few of your favourite tea bags in it before adding your oats. Remove the bags, add the oats, and continue to boil as usual.
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