Why Make Overnight Oats?
Many of our ancestors used to soak their oats and other grains prior to preparing. But unfortunately in today’s fast-paced society, we don’t take the time for this important step. Oats contain a substance called “phytic acid” which can bind to minerals (such as iron, zinc, manganese and calcium) and slow their absorption.
Soaking the oats in an acidic medium makes them easier to digest and enables the nutrients in the grain to be better absorbed by your body.
It really doesn’t take any extra time to soak your oats, but just requires a little planning ahead.
And what I love about this recipe is that after cooking the oats, you can add pretty much anything your heart desires! Some of our favorites are walnuts, pecans, almonds, seeds, fruit, nut butter, honey, pure maple syrup, cinnamon, chia seeds, raisins, and pumpkin puree.
Be sure to also check out my recipes for Overnight Soaked Pancakes and Soaked Wheat Tortillas!
Try soaking your oats and see if it makes a difference in how you feel!
Note: Oats are low in the enzyme phytase, needed to neutralize the phytic acid. So you can add 1-2 tablespoons of wheat flour to your oats when soaking to help reduce the phytic acid.
Overnight Oats
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)
- 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour (or buckwheat for gluten free)
- 1 tablespoon acidic medium of choice apple cider vinegar, whey, lemon juice or kefir
- water, to cover the oats
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- optional add-ins: grass-fed butter, nuts, nut butter, seeds, fruit, dates, honey, pure maple syrup, date syrup, molasses, cinnamon, chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin puree
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats with the flour and acidic medium, and enough water to cover. Cover the bowl and soak the oats for at least 8 hours, or overnight, at room temperature (NOT in the fridge!).
- In the morning, drain the oats and rinse them well.
- Add the oats, milk, and salt to a pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Turn down the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until the oats reach the desired consistency.
- Serve with add-ins of choice. Enjoy!
