If you don’t enjoy oatmeal on a boat, you’re missing out. Oatmeal (or porridge, as some call it) is healthy, cheap, and delicious. On a cool cruising day, there’s nothing more comforting. But you don’t have to rely on those tiny packets of instant. They’re loaded with sugar, for one thing. And old-fashioned oatmeal is just as easy–if you have a good recipe.
I learned this trick for making oatmeal on a college backpacking trip, where we literally had to carry all the stove fuel on our backs. Believe me, we didn’t want to have to carry one bit more than we had to. But it was chilly and a hot breakfast each day sounded good.
Old-fashioned oatmeal cooks up in just 5 minutes. And doesn’t take any more cooking fuel than just bringing the water to a boil– if you know this trick.
As we were standing in line for dinner at our first LoretoFest, I was talking with the cruiser in front of me. I don’t remember her name, but she said that her husband loved oatmeal for breakfast. She hated fixing it because all she could get was old-fashioned oatmeal and it just made the galley so hot. When I told her this way to make it, she immediately dubbed it “boatmeal” and the name stuck.
Cruiser Faves for Oatmeal on a Boat
Apparently, oatmeal on a boat is a go-to meal for many cruisers. Many of them use a technique similar to mine below. But with their own tips for ingredients and methods.
Cruisers Duke and Patricia prefer steel cut oats. With a texture more like rice, the result is more “toothy” than rolled oats. They normally take longer to cook than rolled oats. But are a great option for overnight prep. Simply boil 4 cups of water with 1 cup of rolled oats for about a minute. Then leave overnight in a thermos. Add your favorite toppings in the morning.
Other cruisers suggest using something other than water for the liquid. My co-author of The Boat Galley Cookbook (check it out in our store or on Amazon for more boat-specific breakfast ideas), Jan Irons, suggests using apple juice. Reader Martha suggests adding a bit of powdered milk to the water. And Tami prefers to add coconut milk. Of course, nut milks work too.
Finally, besides my favorites of dried fruit and nuts, some cruisers also suggest honey, shredded coconut, brown sugar, and peanut butter.
Boatmeal
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup oatmeal
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Optional
- 1/4 cup dried fruit, raisins, dates, and/or nuts
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Put everything except any optional nuts in a pan and mix together. Cover and bring to a boil. Immediately turn the stove off and let it 5 minutes, covered.
- Serve, adding nuts over the top if desired (if boiled, nuts lose their crispness).
So, what do you think? Is boatmeal a favorite on your boat? What are your favorite additions?
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Simplify meal prep on board with proven strategies for provisioning, maximizing fridge space, and cooking delicious meals aboard your boat.
The Boat Galley says
Oooh, that sounds good! Sitting here right now with my bowl with raisins, walnuts and brown sugar. I may just have to get some coconut — never thought of putting it in oatmeal, but I love it in oatmeal cookies, so I’m thinking I’d love it!
The Boat Galley says
Another good combo!
The Boat Galley says
Thank YOU! Have a great time.
The Boat Galley says
Hmm, I’ve never had a problem finding old-fashioned oatmeal even in big cities.
Dave Skolnick says
I’ve had to look harder in cities. Warehouse stores are fine. Perhaps it is the difference between “boy looking” and “girl looking?” Sometimes I’ll look and look and even ask for help and come up dry while Janet walks right up to whatever we’re looking for.
The Boat Galley says
Walmart always has it, almost every other grocery store, too.
Barbara Leonard says
We used to have a B&B and one of our favorite recipes was to put a bit of honey in the bottom of a glass or cup, add oats and dried fruit, cover with milk (or cream if you have it), cover and let soak overnight in the fridge. In the morning we topped it with a bit of granola or toasted coconut and nuts for crunch. Very elegant and very easy.
Michele Ann Jenkins says
You just changed my mornings! I love steelcut, but I can’t be bothered to make hem on weekdays because of the time…
The Boat Galley says
Even better — instead of leaviing in the pan, put into a Thermos.