Haitian Oatmeal (F1)
Haitian Oatmeal (F1) is a easy Haitian recipe that serves 4. 269 calories per serving. Recipe by Haitian Dining With Marie on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 26 min | Total: 46 min
Cost: $2.75 total, $0.69 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 cups Water (for boiling)
- 1 cup Rolled Oats (old‑fashioned rolled oats)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (ground)
- 1 whole Star Anise (remove before serving)
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Sugar (granulated)
- 1 can Evaporated Milk (12 oz can, unsweetened)
- ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1 tablespoon Almond Extract
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 tablespoon Water (for extracts) (adds a little liquid with extracts)
Instructions
Boil Water
Add 3 cups of water to the saucepan and bring to a rolling boil over medium‑high heat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Add Spices and Salt
Stir in 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 whole star anise, and ½ tsp salt.
Time: PT1M
Cook Oats
Add 1 cup rolled oats, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent overflow.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 95°C
Add Sweeteners and Butter
Mix in ½ cup sugar, 1 can evaporated milk, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and 2 tbsp butter. Continue simmering for 5 minutes until the butter melts and the mixture is glossy.
Time: PT5M
Flavor with Extracts
Add 1 tbsp almond extract, 1 tbsp vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp water. Simmer gently for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Time: PT5M
Finish and Serve
Remove the star anise, give the oatmeal a final stir, ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 269
- Protein
- 13 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 9 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Dairy, Tree nuts (almond extract), Gluten (if non‑gluten‑free oats are used)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Rolled Oats: Quick‑cooking oats, Steel‑cut oats (longer cooking time)
- Instead of Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon sticks (use 1 stick), Ground nutmeg (less flavor)
- Instead of Star Anise: Anise seed (½ tsp), Five‑spice powder (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Sugar: Brown sugar, Honey (¼ cup, reduce water slightly)
- Instead of Evaporated Milk: Whole milk (1 ½ cups), Coconut milk (for dairy‑free version)
- Instead of Ground Nutmeg: Mace (¼ tsp), Allspice (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Coconut oil (½ tbsp)
- Instead of Almond Extract: Almond essence, Maple extract (½ tbsp)
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean paste (½ tbsp), Maple syrup (1 tbsp, adjust sugar)
Equipment Needed
- Medium‑sized saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or heat‑proof spatula
- Stove (gas or electric)
- Timer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Watch for oatmeal overflow when adding oats.
- Stir continuously after adding butter to prevent scorching.
- Remove star anise before serving.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use old‑fashioned rolled oats for the best creamy texture; quick oats will become mushy.
- For an extra rich flavor, substitute half of the evaporated milk with coconut milk.
- A pinch of sea salt at the end brightens the sweet flavors.
Troubleshooting
Oatmeal is too thick.
Add a splash of water or milk and stir until the desired consistency is reached.
Oatmeal is watery.
Continue simmering uncovered for a few more minutes, stirring frequently to evaporate excess liquid.
Bitter star anise flavor.
Remove the star anise after the initial 5‑minute infusion; do not let it steep for the full cooking time.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or water.
Freezer: Portion into freezer‑safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Room temperature: Not recommended; oatmeal can spoil after 2 hours at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the oatmeal up to step 4, let it cool, then refrigerate. Add extracts and reheat before serving.
- Portion into individual containers for quick breakfast grab‑and‑go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Haitian Oatmeal (F1) in Haitian cuisine?
Haitian Oatmeal, known locally as "F1," is a traditional breakfast comfort food that reflects the island's blend of African, French, and Caribbean influences. It is often served on festive mornings and during family gatherings, offering a warm, sweet start to the day.
What are the traditional regional variations of Haitian Oatmeal (F1) across Haiti?
In coastal regions, cooks may add coconut milk or grated coconut for a tropical twist, while in the interior, some families prefer a richer version with extra butter and a hint of rum. The spice blend (cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg) remains consistent.
How is Haitian Oatmeal (F1) traditionally served in Haitian households?
It is typically served hot in a bowl, sometimes topped with sliced bananas, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts. It may be accompanied by fresh fruit or a side of fried plantains.
During which occasions or celebrations is Haitian Oatmeal (F1) commonly prepared in Haiti?
F1 is popular on Sundays, holidays such as Independence Day, and during family celebrations like birthdays or baptisms, where a hearty breakfast sets the tone for the day's festivities.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Haitian Oatmeal (F1) and what are acceptable substitutes?
The core ingredients are rolled oats, evaporated milk, butter, cinnamon, star anise, nutmeg, vanilla and almond extracts, and sugar. Substitutes include whole milk or coconut milk for evaporated milk, and maple syrup for sugar, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What other Haitian dishes pair well with Haitian Oatmeal (F1) for a complete breakfast?
Pair it with fried plantains (banann peze), Haitian cheese (fromage frais), or a side of fresh tropical fruit like mango or papaya for a balanced, flavorful breakfast.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Haitian Oatmeal (F1) at home?
Common errors include letting the oats boil over, not removing the star anise before serving, and adding the extracts too early, which can cause the flavors to evaporate. Follow the timing steps closely and stir regularly.
Why does this Haitian Oatmeal (F1) recipe add vanilla and almond extracts at the end instead of at the beginning?
Adding the extracts at the end preserves their delicate aromatic compounds, which can be lost if boiled for too long. This timing ensures a bright, fragrant finish.
Can I make Haitian Oatmeal (F1) ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare it up to step 4, let it cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk, then stir in the extracts before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Haitian Dining With Marie specialize in?
The YouTube channel Haitian Dining With Marie focuses on authentic Haitian home cooking, sharing traditional recipes, cultural stories, and step‑by‑step tutorials that celebrate Haitian flavors and techniques.
How does the YouTube channel Haitian Dining With Marie's approach to Haitian cooking differ from other Caribbean cooking channels?
Marie emphasizes family‑passed recipes, uses locally sourced Haitian ingredients, and often explains the cultural background of each dish, whereas many other Caribbean channels may focus more on fusion or fast‑food adaptations.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
