Steel-cut oats are hearty, whole grains that stick to your ribs and keep you satisfied until lunchtime rolls around. While regular oatmeal is rolled flat, steel-cut oats are cut into small chunks using a machine with very sharp blades. As a result, steel-cut oats have a nuttier flavor and a crunchier texture than old-fashioned or instant oatmeal. Because the pieces are larger, cooking time is longer. However, it isn't necessary to set your alarm earlier just to enjoy steel-cut oats. Instead, make the cereal in your slow-cooker the night before.
Step 1
Spray the inside of your slow-cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the oats from sticking.
Step 2
Measure water and steel-cut oats into your slow-cooker. Place the lid on the slow-cooker.
Step 3
Set your slow-cooker on low. Cook the steel-cut oats for 6 to 8 hours, or until the oats are tender and the water is absorbed.
Step 4
Serve the steel-cut oats hot with your favorite sweetener such as sugar, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup.
Step 5
Vary mix-ins, seasonings and toppings to suit your preferences. Combine oats with dried fruit such as raisins, apricots, dates or cranberries, or with fresh berries, peaches, apples, bananas or mangoes.
Step 6
Season steel-cut oats with vanilla extract or cinnamon, if desired. Top the cereal with sunflower seeds, flax seeds, wheat germ, chopped walnuts or pecans or slivered almonds.
Tips and Warnings
- Oatmeal is rich in fiber, which may help to lower cholesterol and maintain a healthy digestive system. Because oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate, it is converted into sugar in the body very slowly, and as a result, keeps you full longer than most other carbohydrates. Make a large batch of steel-cut oats, then store the extra in your refrigerator. Reheat the oats in your microwave as needed. Don't cook more steel-cut oats than your slow-cooker can handle, as the oats expand to four times their size.
Things You'll Need
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- Sweetener
- Mix-ins, seasonings and toppings
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