Discover a cozy and nourishing delight with our Oatmeal Soup recipe! Creamy oats transform into a comforting bowl of pure warmth and goodness. Each spoonful is a soothing embrace, where the heartiness of oats meets a savory symphony of flavors. Dive into a world of wholesome indulgence, where every bite feels like a comforting hug on a chilly day. It’s not just a soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, ready to envelop you in its comforting charm with every delicious spoonful.
When mornings get chilly, warmth beckons from the kitchen. Enter oatmeal soup, a timeless classic. This isn’t your average bowl of oats. We’re talking about a savory blend, perfect for those seeking comfort and nutrition in one dish.
Often hailed for their fiber-rich glory, oats take on a new role here. Paired with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, they transform into a fulfilling meal. Every spoonful promises a balance of crunch and creaminess.
What Is Oatmeal Soup?
Oatmeal soup is a savory dish where traditional oatmeal meets hearty soup ingredients. Instead of a sweet breakfast profile, this soup features oats cooked with vegetables, herbs, and sometimes meats or broths.
The result is a rich, creamy texture infused with savory flavors. It is a comforting meal and offers the nutritional benefits of oats, such as fiber and essential nutrients. Oatmeal soup is a nourishing twist on a classic grain, perfect for cold days.
Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?
Keto
- Replace the milk with a high-fat, low-carb option like heavy cream or a mix of almond milk and cream.
- Omit rolled oats (as they are high in carbs), and consider using hemp hearts or chia seeds for thickness and a bit of texture.
- Increase the celery and add other low-carb veggies like cauliflower or broccoli.
Paleo
- Omit the traditional oats and consider using a grain-free substitute like cauliflower rice for texture.
- Replace regular milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut milk.
Gluten-Free
- Ensure you’re using certified gluten-free oats. Oats are naturally gluten-free but can often be cross-contaminated with gluten in processing facilities.
- Check all other ingredients and seasonings for hidden gluten sources.
Whole30
- Omit rolled oats as they’re not Whole30 compliant. Use ingredients like cauliflower rice or diced vegetables for bulk.
- Replace milk with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. Ensure it has no added sugars or non-compliant additives.
Vegetarian
- The basic oatmeal soup recipe given previously is already vegetarian. Just ensure that any broth or additional ingredients you might want to add are also vegetarian.
Vegan
- Substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk.
- Ensure any added ingredients or seasonings are free from animal-derived components.
Recipe Directions
- Bring 4 1/2 cups of milk to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Once boiling, add 1 cup minced celery and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes or until the soup thickens.
- Once done, serve the oatmeal soup hot.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of black pepper.
Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings
Variations
- Broth-Based: Replace milk with vegetable, chicken, or beef broth for a less creamy, more soup-like consistency.
- Spiced-Up: Add spices like cumin, coriander, or paprika for an added kick.
- Asian Twist: Incorporate ingredients like ginger, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil.
Add-Ons
- Proteins: Add diced chicken, turkey, tofu, or even seafood like shrimp for an extra dose of protein.
- Vegetables: Incorporate carrots, onions, bell peppers, or tomatoes. For a more hearty soup, potatoes or sweet potatoes are great.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, or chickpeas can provide added nutrition and make the soup even heartier.
- Grains: While oats are the star, consider adding a handful of quinoa, barley, or rice for additional texture.
Toppings
- Cheese: A sprinkle of grated parmesan, cheddar, or crumbled feta can add a rich flavor.
- Herbs: Freshly chopped parsley, cilantro, dill, or basil add both taste and visual appeal.
- Seeds and Nuts: Toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds can give a crunchy contrast.
- Drizzles: A touch of olive oil, truffle oil, or even a dash of hot sauce can elevate the taste.
Can I Make Oatmeal Soup Recipe In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?
Slow Cooker Method
- Preparation: Begin by gathering your ingredients. Minced celery, milk, salt, and rolled oats will be required.
- Combining Ingredients: Pour the milk into the slow cooker, followed by the minced celery, salt, and oats. Stir everything to ensure even distribution.
- Cooking: Set your slow cooker on the low setting. Allow the mixture to cook for 2 to 3 hours, occasionally stirring to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom.
- Serving: Once the oatmeal soup reaches your desired consistency, serve it hot. Use additional garnishes or seasonings as needed.
Instant Pot Method
- Preparation: Have your ingredients ready: minced celery, milk, salt, and rolled oats.
- Sautéing Celery (Optional): Turn on the Instant Pot’s Sauté function. Add a small amount of butter or oil, then sauté the minced celery for a few minutes until it softens slightly. This can enhance the celery’s flavor but is not a necessary step.
- Combining Ingredients: Cancel the Sauté function. Add the milk, salt, and oats to the pot. Give everything a good stir.
- Pressure Cooking: Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Porridge’ mode or manually set it to ‘High Pressure’ for 10 minutes.
Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?
Store-Bought Broth
- Convenience: One of the primary reasons to use store-bought broth is the convenience. It’s ready to use and can save a lot of time.
- Consistency: Store-bought broths generally have a consistent flavor, which can be helpful when you want predictable results.
- Variety: Multiple varieties are available, including low-sodium, organic, and bone broths.
- Salt Content: Some store-bought broths can be high in sodium. If you’re watching your salt intake, opt for a low-sodium version.
Homemade Broth
- Flavor Control: Making your own broth allows you to control the depth of flavor. You can roast bones, add vegetables, and season to your liking.
- No Additives: Homemade broth is free from preservatives and other additives you might want to avoid.
- Cost-effective: Making broth can be economical if you frequently have leftover vegetable scraps or bones.
- Versatility: You can make broths that might not be readily available in stores, such as fish broth or a broth from specific vegetables.
How To Serve ?
- Warm Bowls: Before pouring in the soup, pre-warm the bowls. You can do this by filling them with hot water for a minute or two (then dumping out the water) or by placing them in an oven set to a low temperature for a few minutes. This ensures that the soup remains hot when served.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of black pepper, or even a dollop of yogurt or cream on top for a pop of color and enhanced flavor.
- Texture: Introduce crunchy elements such as toasted nuts, seeds, or croutons. This provides a delightful contrast to the creamy consistency of the oatmeal soup.
- Serve with Sides: Oatmeal soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a side salad, or even a slice of cheesy toast. Serving with a side can make the meal feel more complete.
- Use Quality Tableware: Serve the soup in clean, elegant bowls. Using quality tableware can elevate even the simplest of dishes.
- Drizzle: Enhance the visual appeal by drizzling a little olive oil, cream, or even a flavored oil (like truffle or herb oil) over the soup.
Perfect Side Dishes
- Crusty Bread: This is a classic pairing with any soup. The crunchy exterior and soft interior of freshly baked bread or a baguette can be perfect for dipping.
- Cheese Toast: A slightly crisp toast with melted cheese on top offers a delightful cheesy crunch.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a crisp and refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
- Grilled Vegetables: Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or eggplant can add a smoky flavor profile that contrasts with the mild taste of oatmeal soup.
- Roasted Chickpeas: These offer a crispy element and a protein boost.
Storage And Make Ahead
- Make Ahead: Prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance, allowing flavors to meld for a richer taste.
- Storage: Cool the soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
- Texture Check: Oatmeal can absorb liquid over time, so add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed to maintain desired consistency.
- Garnish Fresh: Add fresh herbs or a drizzle of cream upon serving to refresh flavors and enhance presentation.
What Can We Do With Leftovers?
- Reheat and Eat: The simplest option, enjoy it another day as a quick meal.
- Transform into a Sauce: Thicken the soup with a roux or cornstarch and pour over pasta, rice, or protein.
- Use as a Base: Add new ingredients like pasta, grains, or protein to create a different dish.
- Soup Popsicles: Freeze in popsicle molds for a savory treat during hot days.
- Blend: Puree the leftovers and serve as a creamy soup or sauce.
- Casserole: Use the soup as a wet ingredient in baked dishes.
- Stir-fry: Reduce the liquid and mix with vegetables or protein for a stir-fry.
- Pie Filling: Use as a base for pot pies.
- Dehydrate: Make into soup concentrates or crackers.
- Bread Dip: Use thicker soups as dips for bread or crackers.
TIPS
- Grain Selection:Â Choose steel-cut oats for a hearty texture and nutty flavor.
- Vegetable Base:Â Start with a flavorful vegetable broth or stock for a robust foundation.
- Saute Aromatics: Sauté onions, garlic, and celery to build depth of flavor before adding oats and liquids.
- Creaminess Boost:Â Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for richness and silkiness.
- Seasoning Sensation:Â Season generously with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or parsley to elevate taste.
7- Minutes Tasty Oatmeal Soup Recipe – A Nutrient Dense Recipe
4
servings10
minutes7
minutes200-300
kcalOatmeal soup melds the comforting texture of porridge with the warmth of a savory broth. Delicately infused with celery and seasoned with a pinch of salt, this soup offers a wholesome embrace in a bowl, ideal for chilly days or light dinners.
Ingredients
1 cup 1 Minced Celery
4 1/2 cups 4 1/2 Milk
1 teaspoon 1 Salt
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 Rolled Oats
Step-By-Step Directions
- Preparation Steps
Gather all the ingredients: 4 1/2 cups of milk, 1 cup of minced celery, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 1/2 cups of rolled oats.
Clean the celery thoroughly and mince it finely. - Cooking
Take a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat.
Pour in the milk and wait for it to reach a gentle boil. Be careful to avoid scalding.
As the milk begins to boil, stir in the minced celery and salt.
Allow the ingredients to boil together for approximately 1 minute. - Blending
Slowly stir in the rolled oats, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Reduce the heat to low, allowing the soup to simmer gently. - Final Touches
Continuously stir the soup while simmering for about 5 minutes. Watch for a thick consistency to develop, indicating it’s done.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. - Serving
Ladle the soup into bowls.
Serve the oatmeal soup while it’s hot, ensuring the comforting warmth is retained. - Additional Options
For added flavor and presentation, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
A sprinkle of black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the soup’s profile.
For those wanting a crunchy element, toasted nuts or seeds can be sprinkled on top before serving. - EQUIPMENT LIST
- Medium to Large Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Fine Mesh Strainer
- Blender or Immersion Blender
- Ladle
- Thermometer
- Whisk
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
Notes
- Texture Matters: The type of oats used can greatly influence the soup’s consistency. Adjust based on personal preference.
- Infusion Options: For deeper flavor, try sautéing additional aromatics like onions and garlic.
- Vegan Variants: Substitute dairy milk with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for a vegan version.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to add herbs or spices like thyme, bay leaves, or even a dash of nutmeg for added depth.
- Serving Suggestions: Oatmeal soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad.
- Storing: Remember, oatmeal soup thickens upon refrigeration. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk or broth when reheating.