Steel Cut Oatmeal With Blueberries and Walnuts

Are Steel Cut Oats the Same as Rolled Oats or Instant Oatmeal?

If you’re a fan of oatmeal, you’ve probably heard of steel-cut, rolled, and instant oatmeal. While they all come from the same source, there are some differences between them.

Steel-cut oats are oat groats cut into pieces with a steel blade. They’re the least processed type of oatmeal, which means they take longer to cook and have a chewy texture.

Rolled oats are steamed and flattened with large rollers, giving them a softer texture and shorter cooking time.

Instant oatmeal is pre-cooked and dried, taking only a few minutes to prepare. However, it’s often loaded with sugar and artificial flavors.

How to Cook Steel Cut Oats (Stovetop Method)

If you’ve never cooked steel-cut oats, you might be surprised how long they take. However, the extra time is worth the delicious, nutty flavor and satisfying texture. Here are the main rules to cook perfect steel-cut oatmeal on the stovetop:

• Use the correct ratio of oats to liquid: The ideal ratio for cooking steel-cut oats on the stovetop is 1:3, which means one cup of oats to three cups of liquid (water or milk). This will ensure a creamy and tender texture.
• Toast the oats before cooking: While not necessary, toasting the oats before cooking can enhance their nutty flavor and aroma. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the oats, and frequently stir until fragrant and lightly browned.
• Bring the liquid to a boil before adding the oats: This will help the oats cook evenly and prevent clumping. While the liquid is boiling, add the oats and lower it to a simmer. 
• Stir frequently: Steel-cut oats can easily stick to the bottom of the pot and burn, so it’s important to stir frequently, especially during the first few minutes of cooking.
• Cook for the recommended time: Steel-cut oats usually take 20-30 minutes to cook on the stovetop, depending on the desired texture. Follow the package instructions or recipe guidelines for the best results.
• Let the oats rest before serving: Once the oats are cooked to your liking, remove the pot from the heat and let the oats rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the oats to absorb any remaining liquid and become more creamy and tender.

Note: Cooking times and ratios may vary depending on the type and brand of oats and your desired texture. Adjust accordingly and use your judgment to achieve the desired consistency for the perfect bowl of a steel-cut oatmeal recipe.

How to make Steel Cut Oatmeal recipe with Blueberries and Walnuts

Prep Time: 5 min

Cooking Time: 25 min

Total Time: 30 min

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

For candied walnuts

1 cup Walnuts

1/3 cup Brown sugar

2 tbsp. Unsalted butter

1/4 tsp. Fine salt

1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

For the oatmeal

2½ cup Water

2½ cups Whole milk

1/4 tsp. Fine salt

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1/4 cup Maple syrup

1 cup Steel cut oats

Topping

1 cup Blueberries

Directions

1. Set the oven and preheat to 325°F/160°C.
2. Toast walnuts on a parchment-lined sheet for 8-10 minutes, stirring once, until lightly golden brown.
3. Mix butter and brown sugar together for one minute in a small saute pan over medium-low heat. Stir in cinnamon and salt until emulsified. In a medium bowl, toss toasted nuts with the sugar mixture and return to the parchment sheet to cool.
4. Combine water, milk, cinnamon, salt, and maple syrup in a medium saucepan. Add steel-cut oats to a simmer, then cover and turn the heat down to low. Stir often with a rubber spatula. The oats will want to stick on the bottom of the pan. After 20 minutes, check to see if the oats are cooked.
5. Oatmeal will thicken as it sits; thin it with milk as needed. Garnish with blueberries and toasted walnuts.

Topping ideas and variations

Steel-cut oatmeal is a neutral-tasting meal that you can customize to your liking. Here are some ideas for toppings and variations to make oatmeal:

• Fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries)
• Chopped nuts (like walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
• Dried fruit (like raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
• Spices (like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom)
• Sweeteners (like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar)
• Nut butter (like peanut or almond butter)
• Yogurt or milk (for a creamier texture)

You can also experiment with different liquids to cook the oats in, like unsweetened almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or apple juice. You can also try to add other types of fresh fruit to make this healthy recipe versatile. And if you want to add some protein to your breakfast, try stirring in chia seeds or a scoop of protein powder.

How to store steel-cut oats

You can keep steel-cut oats in the fridge for up to five days if you have some left over. Let them cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can also freeze cooked steel-cut oats for up to three months. Portion them out into individual servings and store them in freezer-safe containers.

How to reheat steel-cut oats

To reheat steel-cut oats, add a splash of water or milk to the container and microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat them on the stove by adding a splash of liquid and heating over medium-low heat, occasionally stirring, until heated through.