How do you liquify oatmeal?

Oatmeal is a popular breakfast food made from oats. It has a thick, porridge-like consistency that can be difficult to liquefy. However, there are a few methods you can use to thin out oatmeal and give it a more liquid texture.

Using More Liquid

The easiest way to liquify oatmeal is to simply add more liquid when cooking it. Oatmeal absorbs water and milk readily, so adding extra will thin out the mixture.

When making oatmeal on the stove, use a ratio of 1 cup oats to 2 1/2 cups liquid. Water, milk, nut milk, fruit juice, or broth all work well. Bring the liquid to a boil, then stir in the oats. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. If the oatmeal is still too thick, stir in more liquid a few tablespoons at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

For microwave oatmeal, use a similar ratio and adjust the cooking time. Start with 1 cup oats and 2 1/2 cups liquid in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, then check and stir. If the oatmeal is still too thick, microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until thinned out. Add a splash more liquid if needed.

Pureeing

You can also thin oatmeal by pureeing it. Cook the oatmeal to your desired doneness using your normal ratio of oats to liquid. For very thick oatmeal, use a little less liquid than usual when cooking.

Allow the oatmeal to cool slightly so it won’t spatter when blended. Transfer the cooked oatmeal to a high-powered blender or food processor. Puree on high speed until completely smooth. Add a splash of milk or water if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Pureed oatmeal makes a great basis for smoothies. Simply blend the oatmeal with milk, yogurt, fruit, and any other smoothie ingredients you like.

Adding Milk Products

Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese can help thin out oatmeal. They add creaminess while thinning the texture.

After cooking the oatmeal, stir in a few tablespoons of milk, yogurt, or cottage cheese until well combined. The dairy helps loosen up the oat mixture so it flows more freely. Continue adding milk products until you reach the desired consistency.

You can also use non-dairy milk substitutes like almond, soy, or coconut milk. Avoid very thick varieties like full-fat coconut milk, which can thicken rather than thin the oats.

Using a Starch

Starches like cornstarch, arrowroot, or tapioca can help give oatmeal a silky, creamy texture. They act as thickeners when used in small amounts.

Whisk 1 teaspoon starch into the oatmeal at the end of cooking. Ensure it’s fully incorporated, not clumpy. Let it cook another minute or two to thicken up. The starch will help suspend the oat particles in liquid, rather than letting them sink to the bottom.

If the oatmeal thickens too much, just thin it out with a bit more milk or water. Start with small amounts of starch, like 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, until you determine how much your oatmeal needs.

Adding Fruits and Vegetables

Certain fruits and vegetables have a high water content that can help thin out oatmeal. Good options include:

• Applesauce
• Bananas
• Berries
• Melted fruit juice concentrate
• Canned pumpkin
• Zucchini

Stir a few tablespoons of your chosen fruit or vegetable into the cooked oatmeal until fully mixed in. The added moisture from the produce will help liquify the oats. You can add more if needed to reach your desired consistency.

This is a nutritious way to thin oatmeal that also boosts the flavor. The fruit and vegetable purees bring natural sweetness and flavor to balance the hearty oats.

Adding Nut Butter

Nut butters like peanut, almond, or cashew butter can make oatmeal deliciously creamy and smooth.

Stir a few tablespoons of nut butter into cooked oatmeal until fully incorporated. The oil in the nut butter helps loosen up the oat mixture. If needed, thin it out further with a splash of milk or water.

Nut butters bring protein, healthy fats, and richness that pair perfectly with wholesome oats. Just a small amount can make oatmeal decadently smooth.

Using an Immersion Blender

An immersion or stick blender is a handy tool for liquefying oatmeal right in the pot.

Cook the oatmeal as desired with your normal amount of liquid. For a very thick puree, use slightly less liquid. Allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes so it won’t splatter when blended.

Submerge the immersion blender directly into the pot. Puree, moving it around to blend all the oats evenly. Add a splash of milk or water if needed to thin it out. Blend just until the oatmeal reaches your perfect consistency.

The immersion blender makes quick work of pureeing oatmeal for a perfectly smooth texture. Clean up is easy since there’s just one pot to wash.

Liquifying Oatmeal for Special Diets

Liquifying oatmeal can make it easier to digest for those with certain dietary needs:

Babies

Thinned oatmeal is perfect for introducing solid food to babies around 6 months old. Puree cooked oats with extra liquid to make it smooth and spoonable.

Elderly

Older adults may have difficulty chewing thick oats. Blending oatmeal to a more liquid texture makes it safer and easier to swallow.

After Surgery

Following dental work, oral surgery, or any operation affecting the throat, liquified oatmeal can provide much-needed nourishment during recovery.

Digestive Conditions

People with gastrointestinal conditions like GERD or dysphagia often do better with a thinner oatmeal consistency that’s easier to digest.

Be sure to consult your doctor or dietitian about the best oatmeal texture for your individual dietary needs.

Tips for Liquid Oatmeal

Here are some tips for making smooth, creamy oatmeal every time:

• Use steel-cut or rolled oats rather than instant oats for the smoothest texture.
• Cook oatmeal with extra water or milk to allow for thinning later.
• Let oatmeal cool slightly before blending to prevent splattering.
• Add liquids gradually when thinning blended oatmeal.
• Use a high-powered blender for the smoothest puree.
• Stir often when cooking to prevent oats from sticking.
• Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the texture.
• Top with extra milk and fruit for added creaminess.

How to Store Liquid Oatmeal

Properly stored, liquified oatmeal can last 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

Here are some storage tips:

• Store in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
• Ensure the oatmeal is cooled completely before refrigerating.
• Add a splash of milk before reheating to thin it out.
• Stir well before eating to redistribute the moisture.
• Reheat gently over medium-low heat to prevent scorching.
• If the oatmeal thickens up when stored, add more liquid before serving.

You can also freeze liquid oatmeal in individual portions. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezable containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating and serving.

Conclusion

With a few simple tricks, it’s easy to transform thick oatmeal into a smooth, pourable consistency. Additional liquids, pureeing, and blender tricks all help liquify oats into a versatile base for breakfasts, snacks, or desserts. Babies, seniors, and those with medical conditions can also benefit from thin, easy-to-swallow oatmeal. Master these methods to create the perfect oatmeal texture for any occasion.