Making overnight oats by following many recipes is not difficult. Especially when you know that overnight oats are very healthy and suitable for breakfast in the morning, providing nutrition throughout the day. However, there are numerous toppings and types of overnight oats worth trying. Overnight oats with flaxseed can make your overnight oats taste different and provide more nutrition.
What is flaxseed?
Flaxseed, or linseed, is a small brown or golden seed that dates back thousands of years. It can be a good choice for overnight oats due to its nutritional value. Flaxseeds aid digestion and give your oats a thick, creamy texture when ground or soaked. In addition, flaxseeds are known to be rich in fibre, plant-based omega-3 fats, and antioxidants. With more complete nutrients, you can boost the nutrition of your evening meal. Thus, flaxseed is also one of the good ingredients for preventing conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Ingredients and substitutions
Ingredients and substitutions can vary when making overnight oats, as each type has distinct characteristics, including vegan options. For the base, use rolled oats that readily absorb the liquid without leaving a shaggy texture, and avoid quick or steel-cut oats. After that, you can mix it with various fluids, such as non-dairy milk, water, or yogurt, depending on the availability of the ingredients. Then, you can use honey as a healthy natural sweetener.
However, the toppings can be varied. You can use flaxseed or chia seeds as a substitute, as well as fruits like bananas and berries, or peanut butter. The toppings can be customised according to your needs.
How to make overnight oats with flaxseed?
You only need to mix flaxseed as toppings to make overnight oats with flaxseed. Making overnight oats simple is easy and fast because you only need to combine oats, your preferred liquid, and honey in a jar, then let the jar sit in the refrigerator overnight, creating a delicious pudding-like texture.
Once the overnight oats have absorbed the liquid and look set, you can add toppings such as flaxseed and many other options, as oats are a versatile food that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. You can also experiment with your menu for your overnight oats, as there is no limitation on the type of recipe you can make.
Flavour variations
Because of their versatility, overnight oats with flaxseed are suitable for various flavours. For light flavours, you can make overnight oats with plain yogurt and nutty toppings such as almonds with flaxseed. However, if you have a sweet tooth, you can make a slightly sweet variation of the flavour by using maple syrup or cinnamon as toppings on your nutritious oatmeal. In addition, using fruit-flavoured yogurt will enhance the sweetness and increase the creaminess of your oatmeal.
Topping ideas
Generally, overnight oats with ground flaxseed are well-suited for combining with various fruits, from fresh to dried, to create a fresh texture upon consumption, thereby enhancing the overall nutritional value. The fruit can be multiple, such as bananas, strawberries, blueberries, or even pumpkin, for a unique twist.
You can also enhance the flavour of your overnight oats by using toppings like cinnamon, brown sugar, maple syrup, and so on. However, you can also add toppings that you already have at home and customise your overnight! Other topping ideas include shredded coconut, nuts such as almonds or walnuts, seeds like chia or pumpkin seeds, and even a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will overnight oats last in the fridge?
Overnight oats with flaxseed will stay fresh for 4-5 days in the fridge. Seal them in an airtight container and stir them well each morning. If they thicken too much, add a splash of non-dairy milk or yogurt to loosen them up.
Can flax seeds be soaked overnight?
Yes, flax seeds can and should be soaked overnight. This helps release their nutrients and makes them easier to digest, contributing to a nutritious overnight oats recipe. Ground flax absorbs liquid and thickens the oats nicely. Whole seeds can pass through the gut undigested, so grind them first if you want the full benefit.
Is it ok to eat oats raw?
Soaking oats, as in the case of overnight oats, is a safe and nutritious way to consume them. This process softens the oats and breaks down phytic acid, making it easier for your body to absorb nutrients. Eating dry oats, on the other hand, could be hard on your stomach.
Conclusion
Flaxseed is a nutritious ingredient suitable for topping overnight oats. It’s a bright topping or mix-in because it blends well without overpowering the flavour, adds a subtle nutty taste, and boosts the nutritional value of your breakfast with almost no effort.
If you’d rather skip the prep, try the ready-made options at Oats My Goodness. They’re the perfect meal on the go, made from plant-based ingredients, free from wheat, rye, and barley, packed with 20 grams of protein, and made with clean ingredients. There are no preservatives, seed oils, or refined sugar, which is undoubtedly good for your body.
