Sometimes I wonder if sharing such simple recipes, like oatmeal, is really helpful. Then I think back on the struggles I’ve had with making just a bowl of oatmeal and I realize that even simple recipes are sometimes necessary! For the longest time I could not make a perfect bowl of oatmeal, which kind of turned me off from making it for a while. It would either be too dry or not flavorful enough. Then I made this gluten-free homemade strawberry oatmeal that changed everything! Creamy and bursting with flavor, this oatmeal recipe now has me hooked on oatmeal again!

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Modern Pioneer Recipe

Homemade gluten-free oatmeal is a modern pioneer recipe! While I haven’t found any records of the early pioneers having oatmeal on a regular basis, I wouldn’t be surprised if the early homesteaders grew oats, both for their livestock and for them.

However, the type of oatmeal I most commonly make in my homestead kitchen should probably be considered a modern pioneer recipe. The early homesteaders would have probably used whole oat grouts, but I prefer to use old-fashioned oats and sometimes quick oats for making oatmeal.

Nevertheless, as a modern pioneer recipe, this homemade oatmeal is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have stocked in the homestead pantry! Using gluten-free oats, all-natural sugar, dairy-free milk, and some nutritious toppings…. this gluten-free strawberry oatmeal is the perfect modern pioneer breakfast to start the day!

Not only is this oatmeal made with simple ingredients, but it is also allergy-friendly! This homemade strawberry oatmeal is…

• gluten-free
• nut free
• dairy-free
• egg free
• refined sugar free
• anti-inflammatory

What Are the Best Oats for Oatmeal?

Oats are a very versatile grain! There are so many different ‘types’ oats, which are basically just the oat kernel processed into different forms. The early pioneers would have used oat grouts the most, but as modern pioneers, we have multiple other oats options as well!

No matter what type of oat I use, I always look for the gluten-free label on any oat products I buy. Oats are naturally gluten-free and anti-inflammatory, however, they can sometimes be processed on equipment that also processes other gluten-based grains. That’s why I always look for oats that have been certified gluten-free!

But like I mentioned, there are many different ‘types’ of oats to choose from. Here’s a quick run down of some common types of oats:

Oat Grouts-

It all starts with the oat grout. Oat grouts are the actual kernel of the oat plant. The plant kernel has a hull or husk that surrounds the kernel. The inedible husk or hull is removed to reveal the oat grout. From there you get all different kinds of oats!

Oat grouts are the purest, raw form of oats that can be used ton make oatmeal. They usually take longer to cook and have a slightly chewier texture with a bolder taste. You can make oat grouts into a delicious bowl of oatmeal if you don’t mind the longer cooking time and rich flavor!

Rolled Oats-

Rolled oats are oat grouts that have been steamed and then pressed into flat flakes. The steaming and flattening of the oat grouts shortens the cooking time needed to for rolled oats. Rolled oats will also have a different texture and milder taste than oat grouts.

Because of their shorter cooking time, rolled oats are commonly used in baking recipes and for making oatmeal! Rolled oats are sometimes called old-fashioned oats. Additionally, you sometimes have the option of buying thick-cut rolled oats or thin-cut rolled oats.

Thick or thin rolled oats simply refers to how thick or thin the oat grout has been pressed after being steamed. Thick-cut rolled oats are my favorite type of oat to use for making oatmeal! The oats have been minimally processed, contain all their original benefits, and have a mild taste with a smooth texture.

Check out some my other favorite rolled oats recipes!

• Gluten-free Oatmeal Monster Cookies
• Gluten-free Baked Oatmeal
• Carrot Cake Whoopie Pies (gluten-free)
• Gluten-free Cinnamon Coffee Cake

Quick Oats-

Quick oats are rolled oats that have been steamed and flattened into very thin flakes. Then they are usually chopped into smaller pieces as well. Between how thin the oats are flattened and their smaller size, quick oats cook quickly as their name suggests!

Quick oats can also be called instant oats. However, instant oats usually refers to quick oats that have been mixed with sugar and other flavors to make ‘instant oatmeal’. You just have to add water (or milk) and wait a few minutes for the oats to cook.

I like making oatmeal with quick oats when I need a quick oat breakfast! For some of my favorite flavors of quick oats, check out these homemade quick oat cups!

Steel-Cut Oats-

Steel-cut oats are oat grouts that have been chopped into smaller pieces. They are usually chopped with a steel blade, hence the name steel-cut oats. Steel-cut oats have a rice-like appearance and cook quicker than whole oat grouts but not as quickly as rolled oats.

Steel-cut oats are often said to have a nuttier, rich flavor with a slightly chewier texture. I have never tried oatmeal using steel-cut oats, but I don’t think I would mind the chewier texture and rich flavor.

Oat Bran-

Oat bran is a part of the whole oat kernel. After the outer hull or husk has been removed to reveal the oat grout, the grout is then composed of the germ, bran, and endosperm. The oat bran is the outer layer of the oat grout. It is very high in insoluble fiber and has the longest cooking time of any the previous types of oats.

Oat bran is usually lower in protein than any of the other types of oats since the endosperm, which provides the plant-based protein in oats, has been removed. I shy away from making oatmeal with oat bran simply because it takes too long to cook and lacks the protein that other types of oatmeal provide.

Oatmeal Toppings & Flavors Guide: Pioneer Edition

I like oatmeal, but only if it is flavored and has some delicious toppings added to make the oatmeal flavorful and sweet! As the name suggests, this recipe features homemade strawberry oatmeal. However, the basics of making oatmeal can be used for creating many other delicious and nutritious flavors!

As a modern pioneer, I try to keep my oatmeal flavors simple, wholesome, but still delicious. Using seasonal fruit and berries or homegrown ingredients is a great way to make a pioneer version of breakfast oats!

Here are some of my favorite oatmeal flavors and toppings.

Oatmeal Flavor Ideas:

• fresh fruit– chopped apples or sliced bananas are two of my favorite fruits to add to oatmeal
• fresh berries– blueberries, raspberries, and of course, strawberries, all make sweet additions to a bowl of oats
• dried fruit– for a more pioneer twist on oatmeal (or travel friendly version), use dried fruit instead of fresh fruit
• homemade granola– add a little crunch to your oats with some healthy homemade granola
• maple syrup– maple syrup is a delicious, all-natural sweetener
• raw honey– not only does honey add a touch of sweetness to oats, but raw honey also contains countless health benefits
• peanut butter– add some more plant-based protein and delicious flavor to your oats with some good ol’ peanut butter (make sure no sugar has been added)
• chocolate– whether it’s a few sugar-free chocolate chips or a drizzle of homemade chocolate sauce, you can enjoy healthy chocolatey oats for breakfast
• eggs– for a more savory twist on oatmeal, try topping your cooked oats with a farm fresh fried egg, sunny side up or over easy!
• cinnamon– a sprinkle of organic ground cinnamon goes perfectly with some chopped apples or slices of banana!

This gluten-free homemade strawberry oatmeal is the perfect quick and easy breakfast option that is nutritious and delicious! I love whipping up a batch of pioneer oats for breakfast and topping it with some fresh strawberries and a drizzle of pure maple syrup!

Where to Find the Ingredients

• Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free old-fashioned oats
• Simply Organic ground cinnamon
• Pacific oat milk
• Organic maple sugar
• Nutiva coconut sugar
• Supplies: medium stainless steel saucepan

Creamy, sweet oats cooked to perfection and topped with sweet, fresh strawberries and a drizzle of maple syrup…. it’s the perfect way to start any day! Oatmeal may seem like a pretty simple recipe, but getting just the right techniques down can be tricky. This homemade gluten-free oatmeal helped me master the perfect bowl of creamy oat goodness! Now that I have a simple recipe for oatmeal down, the flavor and topping options are endless for a delicious bowl of breakfast oats! I hope you enjoy this simple homestead breakfast as much as I do!

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by Alexa