Steel-cut oats --- also known as Irish or pinhead oats --- are chopped, whole-grain oats with a chewy, nutty taste. Unlike processed oats that are hulled, steamed, rolled or flaked, steel-cut oats have a lower glycemic index, retain their nutritional value and are high in B vitamins, fiber and protein. Although consumers who enjoy quick-cook and instant oatmeal may be put off by the extended cooking time, proponents of the steel-cut variety believe the additional flavor warrants the wait. Purchase steel-cut oats in the bulk foods section at your local health-food or grocery store.
Step 1
Spray the sides and bottom of your slow cooker with cooking spray.
Step 2
Combine the oats, cranberries, blueberries and water in the slow cooker and stir once to blend.
Step 3
Set the slow cooker to the lowest setting and cover and cook the oats for 8 hours or overnight.
Step 4
Spoon 1/2 cup of the cooked oatmeal into a serving bowl. Top with 1/8 cup of almond milk and a few chopped walnuts. Add honey to taste for added sweetness.
Step 5
Cover and store the leftover oatmeal in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Tips and Warnings
- Because the cooking temperature of slow cookers vary, prepare your first batch of steel-cut oatmeal when you can monitor the cooking time. For breakfast reminiscent of apple pie, add 2 peeled, cored and chopped apples and ½ tsp. each of ground cinnamon and cardamom to your oatmeal mixture.
Things You'll Need
- Large-capacity slow cooker
- 2 cups steel-cut oats
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup dried blueberries
- 8 cups water
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- Organic honey
- Serving spoon
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