Overnight Strawberry Oat Pudding

Overnight oats have a reputation for being a bit of a fad, but the idea is much older than the jars and hashtags. People have long soaked grains and dried fruit in liquid to soften them, and oats are especially willing. Quick cooking oats are rolled thinner and cut smaller than the old-fashioned kind, so they drink up almond milk fast and turn creamy without any heat at all. That is the whole trick here. You are letting the oats do the cooking while you sleep.

Strawberries are a lovely partner because they break down a little as they sit, releasing some juice that tints the milk a soft pink. If you want the fruit to hold its shape, stir in half the berries in the morning and keep a few whole ones on top. Strawberries are also one of those fruits that tastes best in season, so if your fruit is pale and watery, a pinch of lemon zest will wake it up better than extra sugar ever could.

A good cooking tip: use a bowl or jar with a lid that has room to spare. The oats swell as they rest, and a tight, shallow container can turn into a mess in the fridge. If the pudding seems too thick the next morning, loosen it with a splash of almond milk rather than water, since it keeps the flavour round and nutty. Eat it cold straight from the fridge, or let it sit on the counter for ten minutes if you prefer it less firm. Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for a day or two, though the texture is best on the first morning.

For something a little different on another day, try the Strawberry Chai Masala Oat Bowl, which takes the same fruit in a warm, spiced direction. If you want a blended version for a busy commute, the Strawberry Oat Smoothie with Almond Milk uses the same ingredients in a glass. And for a coconut twist on the same idea, the Creamy No-Cook Coconut Oat Pudding is a good one to know.

Serve this with a handful of toasted almonds or sunflower seeds scattered over the top for crunch, which the soft oats badly need. A small cup of plain black coffee or unsweetened tea goes nicely alongside. Honestly, the best thing about it is how little you have to do in the morning, which is exactly how a breakfast should be on a rushed weekday.