HOMEMADE INSTANT OATMEAL

Skip store-bought instant oatmeal, and make your own instant oatmeal by just grinding up regular oats! It’s healthier, cheaper, and just as quick — thanks to our do-ahead method that lets you prepare a lot at once, and then make breakfast one bowl at a time.

ACTIVE TIME: 10 MINUTES | TOTAL TIME: 30 MINUTES | MAKES 6 SERVINGS

EQUIPMENT

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Measuring cup
Measuring spoons
Food processor or blender
Airtight container
Heatproof bowl
Spoon

INGREDIENTS

3 cups old-fashioned oats
1⁄4 cup dates or date pieces
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1⁄2 teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Put 1 cup oats, the dates, brown sugar (if you like), cinnamon, and salt in the blender or food processor. Turn the blender to medium, and blend until the oats are powdered.

  2. Add the rest of the oats and then turn the blender or food processor on and off (this is called “pulsing”) until the oats are mostly broken down. You may need to stop and shake up the blender jar if the oat powder at the bottom is stopping the blade from moving.

  3. Store the mixture in an airtight container or plastic bag up to 3 months.

  4. For each bowl:

    1/2 cup oatmeal mixture

    3/4 cup boiling water

    Milk or plain low-fat yogurt (if you like)

    Put 1/2 cup oatmeal mixture in a heatproof bowl.

    Pour the boiling water over it, stir, and let stand for a minute. Stir again, add a few spoonfuls of milk or plain low-fat yogurt, and serve right away.

    For extra goodness, add dried fruit, cut-up fresh fruit, or nuts.