The Sparrow here…Poor Sparrow is on a very tight budget these days. I love to eat delicious food, but recently have found that difficult given my meager means. This is where the good fellows at Pinch Spice Market come in.

Recently I tasked them to help with my morning meal. I was looking for something that I could eat every day, was easy to prepare, allowed for some variance and cost me very little.  So here is what Shoebocks and Mike came up with…

Oatmeal in a Rice Cooker

Knowing that the Sparrow isn’t the most talented cook in the world, and that the Sparrow needed things to be kept simple, they developed a recipe that could be made in a rice cooker.

These days most of the things that I cook are done this way, so it seemed perfect to me.  Here is the method that they gave to the sparrow.

1. Measure 1 cup of steel cut oats into the bowl of a rice cooker,
2. Add 3 cups of water add a pinch of salt.
3. Allow this to soak overnight in the rice cooker.
4. When you wake up turn on the rice cooker for a normal cooking cycle.
5. Cooking time varies by rice cooker but it should take about 30 minutes.
6. When complete add some brown sugar to taste, and a round teaspoon of Garam Masala.

I was a little skeptical about putting an Indian spice in my oatmeal, but the method seemed good. Plus they convinced me by letting me smell the Garam Masala. So I left the store with a bag of Garam Masala in hand.

I followed the instructions and can you believe it, a wonderful breakfast.  The recipe made enough for 2 bowls, so I will either cut it in half or just save the rest for the following morning.

I am so inspired I might try adding some different ingredients, although the Garam Masala really does hit the spot.  A very subtle spice flavor initially that lends it self to some complexity as you eat the oatmeal.

This method was great and really fit the bill for what I was after; easy, quick, and delicious. This is probably the best oatmeal I have ever eaten, certainly the best I have ever cooked.  All of this makes for a very happy and slightly less poor Sparrow.