Oats. Despite its inconspicuous presence in our kitchen, we all have it for a reason – because it fills you up with energy when you’re on a diet, when you’re not feeling too well, or when you just need an extra oomph of fibre in your system.

And it’s no secret that oats are good for us. So why aren’t we taking oats on a regular basis? Because here’s another open secret -- oats are usually an afterthought as compared to the eggs benedict and waffles.

But they are affordable, convenient and packed full of benefits! And they can easily be incorporated into any dish -- sweet or savory -- as well. Did you know that oats can replace rice? Ah-ha. Betcha didn’t know that.

Here are three oats-based recipes by Chef Shen Tan of Gastrogig, former executive chef at Ujong Raffles Hotel, that will help your family discover how healthy eating can be oats-so delicious too.

Banana Oat Bars

When we’re in a hurry or on the go, most of us tend to compensate for time by snacking or eating fast food even though know it’s no good for our bodies.

Here’s a simple recipe for a hearty and delicious snack you can grab on your way out the door or anytime during the day -- the best thing is you can make them in batches. This. Is. So. Good.

Ingredients

2 large bananas, about one cup when mashed

2 tablespoons honey

2 cups Kellogg's Instant oats

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup, chopped dried figs

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder

Instructions

Heat the oven to 170°C and lightly grease a 9-x9-inch square baking dish.

Peel the bananas and thoroughly mash them in a mixing bowl, until no large chunks remain.

Add the oats and stir them in. Stir in the salt, cinnamon, figs, and nuts.

Pat the thick mixture evenly into the baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until the edges just begin to crisp up.

Remove from oven and cut into bars.

Look at these babies. They’re not only good on the go, but perfect as a weekend teatime snack as well.

Savoury oat porridge with poached egg

This one’s for the ever-busy working mum, or the kid who needs a quick and delicious meal.

The cleanup is a breeze too, because all you need is a microwave. #forreal

Ingredients

1 teaspoon curry powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon coconut oil

1 egg

1 cup Kellogg's Instant Oats

2 cups hot water

Garnish (optional)

Fried garlic

Spring onions

Instructions

Mix the oats, hot water, curry powder, salt and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl.

Make a small well in the oat porridge and crack the egg into it.

Microwave for 2 minutes, in 30 seconds intervals, poaching the egg until desired doneness.

Remove from microwave and garnish with fried garlic and spring onions.

Ta-dah. Done and dusted in under 5 minutes!

Oat pancakes

Nothing says the weekend like pancakes in the morning. But hey, pancakes don’t have to be a guilty pleasure -- not with this recipe, at least.

Ingredients

1 cup Kellogg's instant oats

1 cup milk

1 egg

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

Mix all the above and let rest for 10 minutes.

Fry pancakes in shallow pan with a teaspoon of oil.

We could have this all day, every day. Yums.

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Oats can be wholesome and fun at the same time; the best way to cheat your family into eating healthy. Think about it. If we take it when we feel unwell, imagine the good it will do for our bodies in the long run.

Let the experts at Kellogg’s tell you more about why you oat to make oats part of your diet.

This sponsored post ensures that Mothership’s writers will be able to try even more oat derivative dishes in their diet.

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