Oatmeal Recipes For A Healthy Lifestyle

Incorporating oatmeal into your daily routine can be a game-changer. Get your oats from Daraz Mart and explore these creative recipes.

Not only is oatmeal a wholesome and versatile ingredient but it’s also packed with nutrients. They can provide a myriad of benefits for your body. Whether you’re looking to kickstart your day with a nutritious breakfast or seeking a satisfying snack option, these oatmeal recipes are here to inspire you on your journey to wellness.

Oat-Crusted Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) chicken tenders

1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar or parmesan)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking oil.
2. Prepare the oat mixture: In a food processor or blender, pulse the rolled oats until they become finer but not completely powdered. You want a mixture of textures. Transfer the oats to a bowl and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is your oat crust mixture.
3. Dip the chicken tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Then coat the chicken in the oat mixture, pressing gently to adhere the oats to the chicken.
4. Place on the baking sheet: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving some space between each piece.
5. Bake the chicken tenders: Lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with cooking oil spray or drizzle a bit of olive oil over them. This will help the oats become crispy during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the oat crust is golden and crispy.

Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. They’re great with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Coconut-Blueberry Oatmeal Parfait

Ingredients:

1 cup rolled oats

2 cups coconut milk

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup frozen blueberries (or fresh fruit of choice, eg: Strawberries, mango, banana)

1/2 cup scraped coconut (toasted)

Yogurt

Optional: chopped nuts for extra crunch

Switch gears to the sweeter side with a delightful coconut-blueberry oatmeal parfait. Layer cooked steel-cut oats with coconut yogurt and fresh blueberries in a glass or jar. Top with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. This parfait is not only visually appealing but also a refreshing and nutritious breakfast or snack option.

Prepare the Oatmeal:

In a saucepan, combine the rolled oats and coconut milk.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce the heat to low and cook the oats, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes or until they have absorbed most of the liquid and reached your desired consistency.

Stir in the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Assembling the Parfait:

1. Start by layering a spoonful of the cooked oatmeal at the bottom of each serving glass or jar.
2. Add a layer of Greek yogurt on top of the oatmeal.
3. Sprinkle some fresh blueberries over the yogurt layer.
4. Repeat the layers until you’ve used up the ingredients or reached the top of the glass.
5. Finish with a final sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut and, if desired, some chopped nuts for extra crunch.

Oat-Crusted Fish Fillet

Elevate your seafood game with oat-crusted fish fillets. Blend rolled oats with herbs and spices of your choice to create a flavorful crust. Press the mixture onto fish fillets and pan-fry them until the crust is golden and the fish is cooked. The oats add a satisfying crunch while keeping the fish tender and juicy.

Ingredients:

4 fish fillets (such as tilapia, cod, or salmon)

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1/2 cup grated cheese

1 teaspoon dried thyme or your preferred herbs

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 eggs, beaten

Olive oil or cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. In a food processor or blender, pulse the oats until they are finely ground but still have some texture. Alternatively, you can place the oats in a plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
3. In a shallow dish, combine the ground oats, grated cheese, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
4. Place the all-purpose flour in a separate shallow dish.
5. Dip each fish fillet into the flour, shaking off any excess.
6. Next, dip the floured fillets into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
7. Coat the fillets with the oat mixture, pressing gently to adhere the oats to the fish.
8. Place the coated fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Lightly drizzle or spray the tops of the fillets with olive oil. This will help the oat crust become crispy during baking.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and the oat crust is golden brown and crispy.
11. Once cooked, remove the fish fillets from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
12. Serve the oat-crusted fish fillets with your choice of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Chocolate-Banana Oat Cookies

Indulge your sweet tooth with chocolate-banana oat cookies that are healthier than your average treat. These cookies are chewy, chocolaty, and a perfect example of how oats can be used to create guilt-free desserts.

Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/4 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark, according to your preference)

1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds), optional

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)

Cooking spray or parchment paper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Add the rolled oats, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, chopped nuts (if using), vanilla extract, salt, and honey/maple syrup to the mashed bananas. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey/maple syrup according to your taste.
4. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes. This allows the oats to absorb some of the moisture from the bananas, making it easier to handle.
5. Take spoonfuls of the mixture and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Use the back of the spoon to slightly flatten and shape the cookies, as they won’t spread much during baking.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and slightly firm to the touch.
7. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Enjoy your homemade Chocolate-Banana Oat Cookies! Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Oats and Dhal Soup

Warm up on a chilly day with a hearty oat and dhal soup. This recipe combines the goodness of oats and dhal to create a thick and satisfying soup.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup split red lentils (masoor dhal)

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 carrot, diced

1 celery stalk, chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)

6 cups vegetable or chicken broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set them aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add the minced garlic, cumin powder, turmeric powder, ground coriander, and chili powder. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant.
4. Add the rinsed lentils and rolled oats to the pot. Stir them into the vegetable-spice mixture.
5. Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and give everything a good stir. Bring the soup to a boil.
6. Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. As the lentils and oats cook, they will soften and thicken the soup. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more broth or water.
8. Once the lentils and oats are cooked through and the soup has thickened, season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. You can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup if you want a smoother texture, or leave it chunky if you prefer.
10. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer more spice, you can add extra chili powder at this point.
11. Serve the oats and dhal soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if desired.

As you delve into these delectable oatmeal recipes, you’re not just embracing a wholesome and delicious way to nourish your body – you’re also making a commitment to your overall well-being. Oatmeal’s fiber-rich goodness, coupled with its ability to keep you full and energized, makes it an essential staple for those striving to lead a healthy lifestyle.