Why You Should Always Add A Pinch Of Salt To Oatmeal

When it comes to breakfast, oatmeal is one of the most versatile options. Not only is it a dish that's quick and easy to make, it's one that can be customized in many different ways depending on what you have in the kitchen, what fruits are in season, or just whatever you're in the mood for. Whether you make it from scratch or use a packet of the instant kind, oatmeal makes for a satisfying meal.

Check the back of any oatmeal container, however, and the instructions will probably tell you to just add hot water. If this is the way you're preparing your oatmeal, you're actually missing out on a ton of flavor. While you can certainly add different sweet and savory toppings and mix-ins to spruce up an otherwise bland oatmeal, you'll get the best tasting results by simply starting off with the right base. According to Prevention, that involves adding a pinch of salt at the beginning of the cooking process. Salt brings out the nuttiness in oatmeal, and as it cooks it develops a warm, toasty flavor.

Salting your oatmeal may seem foolproof, but there's actually a right and wrong way to go about it. If you add it too late, instead of enhancing the flavor of the oats, it'll just make everything salty, Prevention shares. Therefore, as Christina's Cucina instructs, it's best to add salt as the first ingredient along with the oats and water. Bring it all to a boil at the same time, and simmer it for 20 minutes while stirring continuously.

As for how much salt to add, a pinch, or more specifically a fourth teaspoon per half cup of oats is all you need. If you're aiming for a more savory oatmeal, you can use slightly more, Christina's Cucina says. Per Feel Good Foodie, this can also vary depending on what type of salt you use. For the most control over saltiness, the safest option is to use kosher salt due to its milder flavor, but even Himalayan or table salt will take your oatmeal to the next level.