Here's How To Make Your Oatmeal A Tad More British

Oatmeal is an easy and nutritious breakfast staple, but it can also turn out badly in more ways than you might think. Have you ever made oatmeal that turned out too mushy or too chewy? Clearly, achieving the right texture is key to the perfect bowl of oatmeal. That's where this British hack comes in. Simply take their cue and use a combination of steel-cut and rolled oats.

Most Americans are used to using only one type of oats at a time, but combining these two varieties can yield the perfect texture. Here's how to do it: Use a 50/50 ratio of steel-cut to rolled oats and a 3 to 1 ratio of liquid to oats (for that liquid, you can use water, milk, or a 50/50 combination). Combine your oats and bring your liquid to a gentle boil. Add the oats and stir frequently until it all feels tender but not mushy, which can take up to 20 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt, add your favorite oatmeal toppings, and enjoy.

Steel-cut oats are whole groats (hulled oat kernels) that have been cut into pieces. You might also see these labeled "Irish oats" at the grocery store. Of all the oat types, steel-cut take the longest to cook because they are the least processed. Rolled oats, also called old-fashioned oats, are slightly more processed as the oat groats have been de-husked, steamed, and rolled flat. Because of this, rolled oats cook more quickly than the steel-cut variety. Quick-cook oats are rolled oats that have been processed further. These oats are partially cooked and rolled very thin and are the fastest cooking of the oat types. 

All of these oat types are different still from instant oatmeal, which are packets or cups of even more processed (sometimes flavored) oats that can be made instantly by adding hot water. However, what they bring in convenience may be balanced by a tradeoff in consistency, as instant oats are quite soft and offer little else texture-wise.

Still not wild about how your oatmeal is turning out? There are lots of other tips you need to know when cooking oatmeal that can affect the end product. And if you love oatmeal but need to save time in the morning, opt for making superfood overnight oats the night before (perhaps experimenting with this British-style oat combo).