The Simple Pleasure of Savory Oatmeal
These golden-brown Oatmeal Patties transform humble ingredients into a satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. Originally created as a budget-friendly alternative to meat patties, this recipe has gained popularity for its versatility and hearty texture that appeals to vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (90g) rolled oats
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons (30g) plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
- 100ml (about 7 tablespoons) water, divided
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup (50g) shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
- Soak the oats: Place the oats in a medium bowl and add 50ml (3-4 tablespoons) of water. Let them absorb the water for about 5 minutes.
- Mix the ingredients: Add the finely chopped onion, eggs, yogurt, salt, and thyme to the soaked oats. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Adjust consistency: Gradually add the remaining 50ml of water as needed until the mixture holds together but isn’t too wet. The consistency should be similar to thick pancake batter.
- Rest the mixture: Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the oats to further absorb the liquid and flavors.
Cooking
- Heat the pan: Add oil to a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be about 1/8 inch deep.
- Form patties: For each patty, scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture and drop it into the hot pan. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon to form a patty about 3-4 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
- Cook until golden: Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Add cheese (optional): If using cheese, sprinkle some shredded mozzarella on top of each patty about 1 minute before removing from the pan. Cover briefly to help the cheese melt.
- Drain excess oil: Place cooked patties on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Serving
- Serve warm: These patties are best served warm, either on their own, with a dipping sauce, or as part of a larger meal.
Nutritional Information and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 patties (serves 4)
Nutritional Information (per serving – 2 patties, without cheese):
- Calories: 215
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 615mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 8g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Perfect texture: For the ideal texture, avoid overworking the mixture. A few stirs until just combined is enough.
- Even cooking: Keep the patties about the same size to ensure even cooking. A 1/4 cup measuring cup works well as a portioning tool.
- Oil temperature: The oil should be hot but not smoking. Test by dropping a small amount of batter in the pan – it should sizzle immediately.
- Prevent sticking: Make sure your pan is well-oiled and avoid flipping the patties too early. They need to develop a crust first.
- Meal prep: The patty mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated. This actually improves the flavor and texture.
- Thickness matters: Don’t make the patties too thick or they won’t cook through properly. About 1/2 inch is ideal.
- Crispy edges: For extra crispy edges, press the edges of the patties against the side of the pan during cooking.
Variations and Substitutions
Flavor Additions:
- Herb infusion: Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives.
- Spice it up: Include 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika or 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Garlic lover’s version: Add 2 minced garlic cloves or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Cheesy center: Place a small cube of cheese in the center of each patty before cooking for a melty surprise.
Ingredient Swaps:
- Dairy-free: Replace yogurt with unsweetened applesauce or plant-based yogurt.
- Egg alternative: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan version.
- Grain options: Quick-cooking oats can be used instead of rolled oats for a softer texture.
- Greek twist: Use feta instead of mozzarella and add some chopped olives and oregano.
Serving Suggestions:
- Breakfast style: Top with a fried egg and sliced avocado.
- Lunch option: Use as the base for an open-faced sandwich with sliced tomatoes and greens.
- Dinner complement: Serve alongside a salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Appetizer presentation: Make mini patties and serve with a yogurt-herb dipping sauce.
Common FAQs
Q: Can I bake these patties instead of frying them?
A: Yes! Arrange the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray or brush with oil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious.
Q: Can I freeze these oatmeal patties?
A: Absolutely. Cool the cooked patties completely, place parchment paper between each patty, and store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat.
Q: My patties are falling apart when cooking. What am I doing wrong?
A: This usually happens when the mixture is too wet or not rested long enough. Add more oats to absorb excess moisture, or let the mixture rest longer. Also, ensure your pan is hot enough before adding the patties and don’t flip them until they’re well-set on one side.
Q: How can I make these more protein-rich?
A: You can add 1/4 cup of hemp seeds, 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, or substitute part of the oats with quinoa. Adding grated cheese or a scoop of unflavored protein powder also boosts protein content.
Q: Are these suitable for children’s lunches?
A: These make excellent additions to children’s lunches! For kid-friendly versions, you might want to finely mince the onion so it’s less detectable and consider adding a small amount of grated carrot or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Room Temperature:
Cooked patties can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours, making them good options for picnics or packed lunches.
Refrigeration:
Store cooled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing:
Freeze cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer container or bag once frozen solid. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- From refrigerated: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or in a microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- From frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat directly from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes.
Make-Ahead Components:
The mixture can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, allowing it to rest actually improves the texture of the final patties.
These Crispy Oatmeal Patties are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying. Their versatility makes them perfect for any meal of the day, and their nutritional profile makes them a smart choice for balanced eating. Whether you’re looking for a meat alternative or simply a delicious new recipe to try, these patties are sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation.
