Where did my slow cooked oatmeal recipe go wrong?

Question

I made slow cooked oatmeal for breakfast, and I didn't like the results. It came out very mushy, and slimy. It reminded me very strongly of those "just add hot water" instant flavored oatmeal packets that I can't stand! I usually go for quick oats (the kind you pour into boiling water) which I really enjoy. I was hoping for a texture closer to those than to what I got.

Here is the recipe I used:
1.5 cups of old fashioned rolled oats
4 cups of water
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 cooking apple, peeled and grated
granola to taste, sprinkled on top

So I think I might have gone awry in several of my steps in actually preparing this. I put all of the ingredients into the pot before I went to bed. My partner turned it on to low a few hours later before he came to bed at around 02:30. I got up at about 09:30 which means that it cooked for 7 hours--about an hour longer than the recipe called for.

I would like it to be a bit dryer and lumpier. What can I do?

Thanks!

I've had a few excellent suggestions for making stove top rolled oats. Thank you!

However, I think i should clarify: I'm looking for slow cooker based solutions here. I like the idea of being able to have a quick, hot meal first thing in the morning before I run out the door to class or work.

However, when I have the time to use those stove top recipes, I certainly will! ;)

Answer 1

Like the others said, too much water. Also, if you want a more textured oatmeal, try using steel cut oats. Rolled oats are processed oats that are flattened out by machinery. The steel cut oats are the whole oats that have been cut up a bit. Bob's Red Mill sells them, and sometimes you can get them in bulk at the grocery store in the health food section.

Answer 2

It doesn't take anything so involved to make excellent oatmeal, depending on the texture you are looking for. The recipe I use is the following: Bring 1.75 cups of water to a full boil in a saucepan. Remove from stove and add .75 cup old-fashioned rolled oats. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. Stir in .25 to .33 cups of oat bran. Add a little salt, about 1/8 tspn. Eat with milk of your choice.
I think you cooked it way too long. That and the applesauce would make it mushy and slimy, particularly the long cooking time. If you want the applesauce I would just add it after the oatmeal has fully cooked, along with cinnamon and brown sugar. If you like it lumpy, then maybe add less water and don't stir the oat bran in as much. Happy breakfast!

Answer 3

Because of the apple (high fluid content), you should reduce the amount of water, or increase the amount of oats by about 1/2 c either way, first of all. The over-cooking might have contributed as well.

Here's a recipe for "overnight oatmeal" which if you follow it, should help you considerably.
http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/overnight_oatmeal.html

My solution is to just cook it stove-top for 20-30 minutes over a medium heat; this way you can watch the consistency and adjust it accordingly. If you try this, DO let it stand for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Answer 4

I love this recipe Beefy Biscuits 2 cups whole wheat or all purpose flour 1 cup cornmeal 1/4cup wheat germ 2 teaspoon beef bouillon powder 1/2 teaspoon yeast extract (adds additional meaty flavour) Mix above ingredients in a medium bowl. Add: 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon cooking oil and 1 cup hot water. Stir well. Roll out on a well-floured surface to 1/2 inch thickness. Place on ungreased cooking sheet. Bake on center rack, (275 F. or 140 C) for about 2 hours until dry and very hard. Let stand overnight to dry thoroughly. Makes 10 big bones and 14 puppy bones.

Answer 5

Oh!! WAY too much water for that amount of oats. Even in a slow cooker, with other ingredients added.....the ratio of water to oats is 2/1.

(2 cups water to 1 cup oatmeal).

Answer 6

if you want it dryer take out a cup of water and toward the end of cooking check it to see if its the correct consitancy if its still runny cook longer