Buzz
A warm bowl of oatmeal can power your morning, keeping you full for hours, but the plainness of oats can be a challenge. While brown sugar and cinnamon might keep things interesting for a while, the lack of variety can quickly become dull. To spice up your routine, try adding a bit of your favorite tea to the mix.
I was daydreaming about chai spices when the thought hit me: they’d make the perfect oatmeal addition. The comforting nature of tea and the hearty oatmeal seemed like the ideal combination for a cozy winter morning, as long as it doesn’t involve too much effort. (Complications are not welcome in my mornings.)
Oatmeal flavorings typically come in two forms: fine powders like cinnamon or ginger, or liquid extracts such as vanilla. But instead of grinding spices into a fine powder or using a store-bought chai concentrate with who-knows-what ingredients, just use a simple tea bag. Steep it in the water before cooking your oats, and voilà – a flavorful and hassle-free breakfast.
Making oatmeal cooked in tea is a simple skill to master. It’s an easy way to elevate your breakfast routine.
To prepare, you’re essentially simmering oats in tea. Start by brewing a strong cup of tea—use eight ounces of water and one tea bag in a small pot, or steep it in a kettle and mug as you usually would. After about five minutes, remove and discard the tea bag. If it’s not already in the pot, transfer the tea there, then add around half a cup of old-fashioned oats. Let the oats simmer on medium-low heat until thickened and the tea has been absorbed—about five minutes. Drizzle with honey and enjoy!
While chai offers a bold flavor, you can use any tea you like for this oatmeal. Earl Grey, green tea, herbal teas, or fruity blends will all bring their own unique flavors to the mix. Plus, tea is sugar-free, so you can sweeten your oats to your liking. If you’re using caffeinated tea, like black or green tea, remember your breakfast will come with a caffeine boost. For a waste-reducing or time-saving option, try using leftover tea or over-steeped tea for your overnight oats.
