Steel Cut Oats

[surgtech1956]

Just bought a box of steel cut oats. Is cooking them in the crock pot the best way? I also saw somewhere to boil the water, put in the steel cut oats, return to a boil, take off the burner and let set all night, and then just warm up in the morning. Suggestions please..... Thank you

[Pax]

I just bring water to a boil, add the steel cut oats, let them boil until they thicken slightly, then simmer until they're as thick as I want them to be. For a cup of oats it takes about 15-20 minutes.

[lauraelmore1033]

I just add enough water to cover the oats and let sit overnight. Add rasins in the morning and eat as is. but then, I'm weird. I've never liked the texture or flavor of cooked oatmeal

[martinkap]

Hi, I am not trying to divert the thread - but I am really interested. I have read that many recommend the steel cut oats over the normal oats. I usually get the pre-cooked in packages oats. What is the deal about 'steel cut' oats and why are they better?

Obviously the preparation method is harder.

I remember someone (in breakfast thread maybe) suggesting to cook them in large quantities and then freeze them.

Sorry, I cannot be better help.

Martina

[divingbiker]

boil the water, put in the steel cut oats, return to a boil, take off the burner and let set all night, and then just warm up in the morning.

This method makes perfect steel cut oatmeal.

[redrhodie]

What is the deal about 'steel cut' oats and why are they better?

Martina

I think it's similar to the difference between brown and white rice. There's more fiber, it contains the oat kernel, and it's less processed.

I usually simmer them for 20 minutes at night, and refrigerate overnight. I make enough for a few days, and just heat them up in the morning. I love them. It's funny, though. I really like them pretty sweet, with raisins, maple syrup and nuts, but rolled oats I can eat just plain.

[stokerpam]

bring water to boil, add oats & simmer until you like it. time & amt depends on brand package. I slightly cover mine, lid ajar, because I don't like to clean oatmeal messes. Really good if you add chopped apples & cinnamon, leftover granola bits, cranberries etc. The denser oat grain of steel cut is supposed to give a slower blood glucose rise and not spike like instant, thus you're full longer & don't have a sugar spike then drop.

Microwaved oatmeal has never worked for me.

[MommyBird]

We love the "nutty" flavor of steel cut oats.

I would also like to get the "Flaker" attachment for my Electrolux Assistant, purchase bulk oat berries and start processing my oats fresh, as needed, for oatmeal and granola. I am waiting until I need to place another Breadbeckers order.

[beccaB]

I use a brand from Ireland that comes in a tin canister-don't remember the name. I tried cooking it in the microwave once, didn't turn out well. It works better to cook them in a heavy saucepan on the stove. I like the nutty flavor.

[roadie gal]

I put them in a bowl with water at a ratio of 2:1 water:oats and nuke them in the microwave for 3 minutes.

[wnyrider]

I use a brand from Ireland that comes in a tin canister-don't remember the name. ... I like the nutty flavor.

Would that be McCann's? I am still working on my last two tins from Amazon from when they ran their last special on them. Good stuff!

[SadieKate]

I put them in a bowl with water at a ratio of 2:1 water:oats and nuke them in the microwave for 3 minutes.Yup, but 3:1 water to cereal. Cook for 6 mins. Add pecans or other additions as desired either during the cooking or after.

The ratio and time may be different because we usually do multi-grain cut cereals.

[SadieKate]

Hi, I am not trying to divert the thread - but I am really interested. I have read that many recommend the steel cut oats over the normal oats. I usually get the pre-cooked in packages oats. What is the deal about 'steel cut' oats and why are they better? In addition to better nutrition and fiber, TASTE! And texture.

Those packets are the Velveeta of oatmeal.

And, no, it is not harder to prepare, just a few minutes longer via the microwave.

[nscrbug]

I'm impatient when it comes to cooking oats, so...I buy the "quick" Steel Cut Oats from Trader Joe's...cooks in half the time of regular steel cut oats, and I cannot taste any difference between them.

[Bike Chick]

Since I'd never had steel cut oats, this thread peeked my interest and I just had to try them. The lady in the store suggested I make them in the crock pot. I put the water and oats in the crock pot before I went to bed last night at a 3:1 ratio and cooked them on low all night. This morning they were ready to eat. Yummy!

[Over50Newbie]

Have you seen this thread? Lots of good information here:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=11739

Lynette

[snapdragen]

I just discovered steel cut oats. Yeah, I know, I live under a rock. I've been eating Bob's Red Mill Steel Cut Oats, add some nuts, dried fruit and a teeny bit of brown suger. Yummers.

I'm going to try the crock pot method.

[Bike Chick]

The crock pot method was really easy and they turned out amazingly well. It sure made a mess in the crock pot though. The nice thing is that I put the leftovers in a plastic container in the frig and just heated them up in the microwave the next morning.

I added little brown sugar, butter, milk and raisins to mine and it was very good. The problem is that my blood sugar really dropped about 2 hours after I ate them which I really didn't expect. I thought the reason you ate oatmeal is to keep that from happening. This happened both times and the second time I used sweetener instead of brown sugar. Has anyone else had this happen?

[marni]

I love Mccanns Irish oatmeal (steel cut). I cook up a big pot once a week and then nuke a serving for breakfast- 1 minute to gratification. I prefer to soak them for a couple of hours, bring them to a boil and then simmer with an occasional stir untile they are thickened and the water is gone. A latte, steel cut oatmeal with milk and a handful of raisins will get me through my normal training ride of 40-50 miles with a gel or a handful of sports beans at the halfway point.

marni

[kacie tri-ing]

So I am jumping into the mix here! I did the "leave it overnight" business, and put sugar free syrup in it. The first morning was not that great, so I added less water. This morning, it was fantastic! Just perfect!

Anyone do baked oatmeal? I had some at a bed and breakfast and LOVED it, but I haven't tried it yet myself. Any ideas?

[SadieKate]

For those that asked, here's reasonable explanation of the differences found in oats, oatmeal, etc., though I'm not a proponent of the Zone Diet.
http://www.formerfatguy.com/articles/oatmeal/oats.asp

And, truthfully, the idea of cooking a grain overnight makes me think of library paste.:eek: But I like to chew my cereal which can only be done if the fiber is kept intact by not overcooking (and then it doesn't cause as much of a blood sugar spike). Just my humble opinion.

Even Bob's Red Mill only recommends cooking for 8-10 mins.
http://www.bobsredmill.com/recipes_detail.php?rid=1367

[Veronica]

I like the steel cut oats too. I cook mine on low for 30 minutes while I'm in the shower. They don't get stirred or anything. I like the idea that I am "multitasking".

Veronica

[SadieKate]

I cook mine on low for 30 minutes while I'm in the shower. They don't get stirred or anything. I like the idea that I am "multitasking".

VeronicaI have a houseboy to cook mine. ;)

[kacie tri-ing]

I just baked some for "breakfast" (which got some strawberry frozen yogurt thrown on top for dessert!).

I did 3.5 cups milk, 1 cup oats, 2 chopped up apples, 1/2 cup raisins, cinnamon, fake sugar (I know, I know), and it was amazing. I decided to just consider it dessert (and breakfast in the morning).

[Pedal Wench]

I just decided to try it too. Camping this weekend. Hoping to soak it overnight, then heating it up in the morning. How bad can it be?

[itself]

Well, based on this thread, I had to go out and buy some steel cut oat. I will never go back to standard oat! I love the texture, and cooked them on the stove. I am eating the leftovers from yesterday, heated up in the microwave they taste just fine.

thanks for recommending them!

Lisa :)

[Over50Newbie]

kacie - Here is my recipe for baked oatmeal. I use Benecol spread because I am watching my cholesterol, but feel free to use butter.

Enjoy!

Lynette

Baked Oatmeal with Strawberries, Blueberries, and Bananas

• Olive Oil spray for greasing the pan
• 2 cups steel cut oats
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds (or chopped walnuts)
• 1/ 4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds, lightly toasted
• 1 teaspoon of ground flax seeds
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground clove
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• zest from 1 large orange
• 2 cups of fat-free milk (or soy milk)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 3 medium bananas, diced
• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• benecol spread
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the inside of a baking dish, 2-quart capacity.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the oats, almonds, brown sugar, pumpkin seeds, ground flax seeds, baking powder, orange zest, spices, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla, and maple syrup. Set aside.
4. In the prepared baking dish, spread the diced bananas in an even layer, then scatter the strawberries and blueberries over top. Pile the oat mixture to cover the fruit, but do not pack too tightly. Carefully pour the wet milk mixture over the oats.
5. Dot casserole wth benecol spread and bake for 40 minutes, until the oatmeal is puffed and set, with a golden brown top.
6. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

[sundial]

^That looks like a delicious recipe. Hmmmm.....

I cook my oats in the pressure cooker. The method of cooking really seals in any flavors I add to the oats and it's ready in 8 minutes.

[Melalvai]

Over50Newbie, I just ate 2 bowls of fresh Baked Oatmeal. DELICIOUS.

Tempted to get a third bowl...

I made the following modifications, based on what I had on hand:
one cup of pecans & walnuts for all the nuts
A couple tablespoons of sesame seeds, I didn't have ground flax seeds (?).
Didn't feel like zesting an orange. Omitted that.
Omitted the brown sugar & maple syrup (though it would have been tasty if you are eating sugar).
Didn't feel like searching for the vanilla, so omitted that. It took me long enough to find the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. (Someone needs to organize the spice cabinet!)
I had frozen blueberries and frozen peaches (instead of strawberries) so that's what I used.
Benecol? I googled it and found out it is essentially margarine. I skipped it.

[OakLeaf]

Sundial, do you have any trouble with oats foaming in the pressure cooker? (and/or do you put anything in them specificalliy to control foaming?)

[surgtech1956]

I boil the water(3cups), then add a cup of steel cut oats, boil a bit, turn off the heat, cover, let sit overnight. I divide it up in 4 containers and take a container to work with me each morning for my breakfast(I work 4 days a week). OBTW, I add a little brown sugar, maple syrup, then when I warm it up at work I add a little peanut butter. I love peanut butter. :)

[Over50Newbie]

Melelvai - glad you liked it!

Great substitutions. That is what's nice about a recipe like this. You can change it in multiple ways to suit your own personal tastes.

Oh, and about Benecol. My doctor asked me to change from using butter or margarine to using this spread. She says that it has been proven to help lower cholesterol. So no more butter or margarine for me! :(

Lynette

[itself]

Here is a great recipe! Enjoy!

Good Morning Oatmeal

3 cups water
1 3/4 cups apple juice
1 1/2 cups steel-cut oats
1 medium pear, cored and chopped (I think you could substitute apple)
1 7-ounce package mixed dried fruit bits ( I used dried cranberries)
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon


Optional topping when serving:
vanilla yogurt and granola

In a slow - cooker combine the water, juice, oats, pear, fruit bits, brown sugar, salt & cinnamon. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 6 to 7 hours. Makes 10 servings.
I refrigerator mine after cooking and it kept well.

Nutrition facts per serving: 281 calories, 3 gm fat (0 sat fat)2 mg chol, 185 mg sodium, 59 g carbs, 6 g fiber and 7 g protein.

Lisa :)

[Veronica]

Yowza! That's a lot of carbs! Sounds yummy... for dessert maybe.

Veronica

[Susan Otcenas]

Here is a great recipe! Enjoy!

Good Morning Oatmeal

3 cups water
1 3/4 cups apple juice
1 1/2 cups steel-cut oats
1 medium pear, cored and chopped (I think you could substitute apple)
1 7-ounce package mixed dried fruit bits ( I used dried cranberries)
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon


Optional topping when serving:
vanilla yogurt and granola

In a slow - cooker combine the water, juice, oats, pear, fruit bits, brown sugar, salt & cinnamon. Cover and cook on low heat setting for 6 to 7 hours. Makes 10 servings.
I refrigerator mine after cooking and it kept well.

Nutrition facts per serving: 281 calories, 3 gm fat (0 sat fat)2 mg chol, 185 mg sodium, 59 g carbs, 6 g fiber and 7 g protein.

Lisa :)

I would think that you could completely eliminate the brown sugar in this. The apple juice and the dried fruit are PLENTY sweet already.

[mizzbananie]

i use a 3:1 ratio, water to steel cut oats. i heat some butter in a heavy pot, and then kind of brown the oats. after a few minutes i add the water, then simmer for 25 minutes. we totally love steel cut oats, and i feel as though eating them from breakfast really gives me energy for my morning ride.

[itself]

I have to say, my partner loves the recipe, but its just too heavy for me. I prefer to just cook it on the stove and add honey and raisins and cinammon.