No-Cook Oatmeal - Two Ways

This is the lazy man's answer to oatmeal in the summer. Steel-cut/Irish oats (known as Hafergrütze here) are soaked overnight, rinsed and drained in the morning, then blended with fruit and other flavoring elements to make a thick and creamy bowl of a light but filling raw oat porridge. From rinsing to blending you can have this on the table in 5 minutes. And with the wide array of juicy sun-ripened stone-fruit available right now, the possible flavor combinations are endless. I've included recipes for two of my favorites below. 

This oatmeal was another product of my time at our family reunion. My sister-in-law and I made this several mornings. We threw in peaches and walnuts most days, and mango another day. Sometimes I think I get a little overzealous with nuts in my diet, so this week I've been making a peach and sunflower seed version and am offering it here for any of you wanting or needing a nut-free option as well. So go on...whatever option you choose, or if you put your own spin on it, embrace your lazy man side this summer, try this oatmeal, and don't forget to let me know what favorite flavor combinations you come up with!

No-Cook Oatmeal - Two Ways

Notes: The amount of water used will depend on how thick you like your oatmeal and how much is needed to help the blending process. Water measurement  in the recipes are a suggestion. This is also a great make-ahead breakfast. Make it the day before, store in a portable glass jar in the fridge, topped with fruit and/or other toppings, and it's ready to grab and go in the morning.

Peachy Sunflower Seed Oatmeal
Serves 2

• 2/3 cup (100 gr) steel-cut (Irish) oats
• 2/3 cup (86 gr) sunflower seeds
• 2 large peaches (3 small) + extra for topping
• Juice from 1/4 lemon
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• Pinch salt
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) water

1. Add oats and sunflower seeds to a medium mixing bowl. Fill with water so everything is covered by several inches, then leave on counter to soak overnight (or 6-8 hours).
2. Rinse and drain thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve, then add to a blender along with the remaining ingredients.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, or until you've reached desired consistency. Taste and adjust for salt, sweetness, and acidity level.
4. Top with more peaches and sunflower seeds and/or other toppings.

Cherry Nutella Oatmeal
Serves 2

• 2/3 cup (100 gr) steel-cut (Irish) oats
• 2/3 cup (86 gr) hazelnuts, roasted
• 2/3 cup (100 gr) pitted cherries + extra for topping
• 1 Tbsp. raw cacao
• 2-3 soft dates (or honey/maple syrup, to taste)
• Pinch salt
• 1/3 cup (80 ml) water

1. Add oats to a small mixing bowl. Fill with water so oats are covered by several inches, then leave on counter to soak overnight (or 6-8 hours).
2. Rinse and drain thoroughly in a fine-mesh sieve, then add to a blender along with the remaining ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy, or until you've reached desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust for salt and sweetness.
4. Top with more cherries, hazelnuts, chopped dates, and/or other toppings of your choice.

Additional Toppings

• Nut butter
• Hemp seeds
• Coconut flakes
• Bee pollen
• Chopped dates