Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the following ingredients and tools:

Rolled oats: ½ cup (the star of the show!)
Water or milk: 1 cup (you can use a mix of both)
Salt: a pinch to enhance flavor

A small to medium saucepan (1.5 to 2 quarts)
A measuring cup
A stirring spoon

Start by measuring out ½ cup of rolled oats and 1 cup of water (or milk). The standard ratio is 2:1, meaning for every ½ cup of oats, you’ll need 1 cup of liquid.

In your saucepan, combine the water (or milk) and a pinch of salt. Place it on the stove over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Be careful not to let it boil over.

Once the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to low and stir in the rolled oats. This is where the magic begins!

Allow the oats to cook on low heat for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The oats will absorb the liquid and thicken during this time.

After 5 minutes, check the consistency of your oatmeal. If it’s too thick for your liking, you can add a little more water or milk and stir until you reach your desired texture. If it's too thin, you can let it cook a bit longer.

Once the oats have reached your preferred consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the oatmeal sit for a minute or two before serving. This allows it to cool slightly and thicken even more.

Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: For the best texture, opt for old-fashioned rolled oats rather than quick oats, which can become mushy.

Don’t Skimp on the Salt: A pinch of salt can elevate the flavor of your oatmeal significantly, enhancing the natural sweetness of the oats.

Customize Your Oatmeal: After cooking, feel free to add your favorite toppings. Popular options include:

Fresh fruits (bananas, berries, apples)
Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia seeds)
Sweeteners (honey, maple syrup, brown sugar)
Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract)

Experiment with Liquids: While water is the traditional choice, using milk (dairy or plant-based) can result in creamier oatmeal. You can also use a combination of both for a balanced flavor.

Cooking rolled oats on the stove is an easy and rewarding process that yields a delicious and nutritious breakfast. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a warm bowl of oatmeal customized to your taste. Whether you prefer it sweet or savory, the possibilities are endless. So, why not give it a try? Your taste buds and your body will thank you!