likely lemons

When I use to think of oatmeal, I would picture the Quaker oat packets in its sweet variety of flavors. I'm pretty sure I've tried everything from the apple cinnamon oatmeal to the dinosaur egg oatmeal and everything in between.

As I got older though, I began to realize just how sugary and almost nauseating these instant breakfasts were. I also learned that the oats in packets are pressed even thinner than quick oats and that's why they turn into slop after being microwaved. Needless to to say, I stopped eating oatmeal for a while.

My mom eats her oatmeal with salt instead of sugar and that's something that I've adopted as well. One of my favorite combinations for savory oatmeal is with some spinach and a poached egg. This recipe is light and nourishing, and it keeps me satiated till lunchtime.

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 Tbsp. vinegar
1 large egg

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats (or steel cut oats)
2/3 cup water (or chicken broth for more flavor)
pinch - 1/2 tsp salt (salt to taste)

1/4 cup frozen spinach (or fresh - steamed)
1/4 tsp of salt
pinch of black pepper

1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
(optional) parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:
1.) Add two inches of water w/ vinegar to a saucepan and bring to a light simmer on low to medium heat. The vinegar helps the egg white coagulate. It does change the flavor a bit, but I don't mind it. I think it complements the extra virgin olive oil.

2.) When you start seeing a tiny bubbles, gently slide egg into the water. Cook for about 4-5 minutes.
Make sure the egg is completely covered and submerged in the water. If not, gently add some hot tap water to the saucepan.

3.) While you're waiting for the egg to poach, prepare your oats and spinach. Combine oats and water and a pinch of salt in a deep bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes. Yes a deeper bowl is required for the oats to expand without spilling over. If you're using steel cut oats, you will need to increase the water and cook time. Also, if you're using chicken broth instead of water, you can leave out the pinch of salt.

4.) Defrost the spinach in microwave for 1 minute. If it is still cold to the touch, microwave for 10-15 seconds. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pinch of pepper.

5.) The egg should be poached by now and can be removed from the saucepan with a slotted spoon. Assemble all the ingredients to your liking and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. A sprinkling of parmesan doesn't hurt either. I removed the feathery, uncoagulated parts of the egg for more appealing blog photos. I don't do that in real life.