Ginger, Garlic and Turmeric is a powerful combination to boost our immune system, and this Turmeric & Garlic Savory Oatmeal got it all. This oatmeal is currently my favorite breakfast option these past few days that I had been staying at home. A hot bowl of savory oatmeal, flavorful, filling and packed with antioxidant, plus it is a delicious way to boost our immune system. Give it a try. 

Interesting Facts About Turmeric

• In traditional Chinese medicine, turmeric is used as an anti-inflammatory. According to Organic Facts , Turmeric consumption may help soothe gastrointestinal issues including constipation and irritable bowel syndrome, and can also help with menstrual pain such as cramping and bloating.
• The Arthritis Foundation mentions turmeric may reduce inflammation in a way that minimizes pain and stiffness of the joints for those who suffer from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• According to Organic Facts, turmeric was used in traditional medicine to boost mental activity, including concentration and
• Turmeric may help lower cholestrol.

Source: cheatsheet.com

Interesting Facts About Ginger

• It is high in gingerol, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Ginger helps help fight the flu and common cold
• Ginger may reduce muscle pain and soreness. Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain.
• The anti inflammaory effects can help with osteoarthritis
• Ginger may dratically lower blood sugars and improve heart disease risk factors
• Ginger may lower cholesterol levels
• Gingerol, the bioactive substance in fresh ginger, can help lower the risk of infections.

Source: Healthline.com

Types of Oatmeal

Steel Cut Oats (Irish Oats) – This type of oats has a finer texture but is chewier than traditional oats, they are digested more slowly and it makes you feel full easily. This type is perfect for breakfast cereals as they make you feel full longer.

Rolled Oats (Old Fashioned) – This type of oats are flat, thin and have bigger pieces than Steel Cut Oats. It cooks faster, about 10 minutes for 1/3 cup (depending on how chewy you like it). Although filling, it is not as filling as using Steel Cut Oats, but if your recipe requires minimal cooking time or you do not have much time on hand, this is the perfect type of oats to use. I find that this type is also the one perfect for baking cookies, bars, bread or pancakes.

Quick Oats – This type of oats have flat, light and even thinner pieces as compared to Rolled Oats. This cooks in about 1-2 minutes and are perfect for recipes that calls for a very minimal cooking time. Although it is also a good option for breakfast, it is not as filling as using Steel Cut Oats and Rolled Oats.

Instant Oats – This type of oatmeal has been pre-cooked and dried, because of this, it require no cooking time at all. You just need to add boiling water and let sit for few minutes to soften. This type of oatmeal doesn’t have chewiness and texture and can get mushy at times. This if perfect option when you are traveling and you need something on the go. Simply add hot water and you have an instant breakfast with you.

How Does Savory Oatmeal Taste?

I don’t blame you if you think that savory oatmeal is weird, because I was in the same as you before I tried one. The thing with savory oatmeal is that you have to find the one that works for you, and the ingredients that work with savory oatmeal. Think of it as polenta or grits which are basically boiled cornmeal and served like a porridge, although savory oatmeal have is not as smooth and it have more texture. If want to try savory oatmeal, start with something that have the ingredients that you like, and ingredients that works well together according to your taste buds. Savory oatmeal taste like porridge when served slightly loose, but it can also be served as thick when you cook it longer. At first you might find it weird especially if you are used to sweet oatmeal. You will look for that sweet taste, but once you set your mind in the idea that you are eating a savory oatmeal you will probably like it. I say probably because this could be case to case basis depending on personal taste and preference. The important thing to remember in making savory oatmeal is to season it well. The worst thing is to eat a bland oatmeal, that is a guaranteed way for you to hate savory oatmeal.

Flavor of the Month: Mushroom Porridge Oatmeal

This month Oatmeal of the month is Turmeric Ginger Oatmeal. I had been making more savory oatmeal lately more than make sweet breakfasts oatmeal. It all started with my Mushroom Porridge Oatmeal, and from there more and more savory variations followed. This month variation is full of flavor, thanks to the combination of ginger , garlic and peppers. This actually reminds me of “Arrozcaldo” which is actually the inspiration for this variation. Arrozcaldo is a Philippine rice porridge usually made with huge chunks of chicken and served with hard boiled egg, almost like this. 

How to Make Turmeric & Ginger Oatmeal

Start by sautéing garlic and ginger. Make sure to have the garlic minced and the ginger thinly sliced in strips. This makes it nice to eat as compared to chunks of huge ginger pieces. Saute until the garlic is almost brown but not burnt. That will infuse better flavor in the oatmeal without the burnt and bitter taste. Add the rest is the ingredients except for the red chile flakes and green onion. If you don’t like it hot, you can Omit the pepper. Simmer until you get the consistency that you like. I like mine cooked for 7 -10 minutes, I like it not too thick. Feel free to add more chicken broth if you want it thinner. Transfer in a bowl and garnish with more chopped green onion and hard boiled egg. To make it more filling, You can saute some chicken pieces along with the garlic and ginger. You may need to add more broth to make sure the chicken is cook through 

Tips in Making Savory Oatmeal

• Season it Well: As I said, the worst thing is a bland oatmeal, and this is a common issue of people hating savory oatmeal. Be generous with spices, play with what works for you. Salt and pepper are the basic but do not be afraid to try other spices, the likes of turmeric, cumin, garlic, chili flakes, dried herbs.
• Choose the Ingredients that Works Together: Unlike sweet oatmeal where you can just sprinkle any toppings without much thinking, making savory oatmeal is different. You have to use ingredients that work well together with a savory oatmeal. For me, mushroom, onion, garlic, are the basic one that work, plus egg for some reason always makes it better. You can also add meat, ground meat, shredded chicken, cold cuts especially sausage work well with savory oatmeal. It all depend to your preference, choose what works for you.
• Use Broth (Homemade or Store-Bought) NOT Water: To avoid oatmeal being bland, use broth instead of plain water. This adds taste in the oatmeal on top of the herbs and spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Olive Oil
• 2 cloves Garlic – minced
• 1-inch size Ginger – thinly sliced
• 1 String of Green Onions – chopped
• 1/3 teaspoon Salt
• 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
• 1/3 cup Rolled Oats
• 1 /2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
• 1 cup Vegetable Broth
• 1 Fried, Hard Boiled or Poached Egg
• Green Onion (optional) – for garnishing 
• 1 Hard Boiled Egg

Instructions:

Add oil on a heated pan. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add rolled oats, salt, black pepper, turmeric and broth. Bring to a boil for 7 minutes in medium heat. Add green onion and red chili flakes. Feel free to reduce the cooking time if you prefer a thinner consistency. You can also adjust the amount of broth to control the consistency of the oatmeal.
Transfer in a serving bowl. Garnish with green onion, serve with egg cooked according to your preference

Re-heating

One tip when reheating it, add few spoonful of water to thin out the consistency. The oatmeal will thicken as it cools, even more when refrigerated. So to bring it back to nice consistency, you need to add a little bit of liquid. For single serving, add 1-2 tbsp of liquid and stir then simply pop it in the microwave for 1 minute. Take it out and stir again, adding more liquid as  necessary to achieve the consistency that you like. Easy breezy! Enjoy

Recipe Note

I am using quite a lot of liquid here because I like my Oatmeal consistency to be not too thick and also because I like to cook it longer for a smoother creamier texture. You can easily adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutritional Information was calculated using Veryfitwell Recipe Calorie and Nutrition Calculator. For details about Nutritional Information in this website, please read the Disclaimer page.

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