Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Directions

1. Rolled oats never did it for me; I just couldn’t get past the mushy texture and bland flavor. I thought I’d never be an oatmeal lover, until I discovered steel-cut oatmeal. Unlike the flat-pressed oats that cook quickly, steel-cut oats take longer to cook, but are so worth it. They cook up as little kernels of chewy deliciousness in a creamy background. You can add whatever toppings you want!
2. Stovetop: Bring 3 cups of water and 1/4 tsp salt to a boil. Add 1 cup of steel-cut oats, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 20-30 minutes. Quick prep method: The night before, bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 tsp salt and 1 cup steel-cut oats. Cover and let sit overnight. The next morning, stir in 1 cup of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until oats are softened but still chewy, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let stand 5 minutes. Slow Cooker method: Add 8 cups water, 2 cups steel-cut oats and 1/2 tsp fine sea salt in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7 to 8 hours (or overnight) until creamy. You can add apples (2-3, chopped), brown sugar (1/4 cup), cinnamon (1 tbsp) and/or replace 2 cups of the water with milk before you cook it. Rice cooker method: Add 1/2 cup steel cut oats, 2 cups water and a big pinch of salt to the rice cooker. Cook on the porridge setting. This method might need some trial and error to figure out the best method for your rice cooker; try varying the amount of water and settings used. Instant Pot method: Add a generous pat of butter to the Instant Pot and turn on to saute. Melt the butter, then add 1 1/2 cups steel cut oats and cook, stirring, until nutty and lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add a few pinches of salt and 5 cups of water. Close the lid and cook with high pressure for 10 minutes. Natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release. Let stand for 10 minutes, then open up the lid and stir the oats. Let stand to continue thickening. Topping ideas: brown sugar and maple syrup; apples and cinnamon; raisins, craisins; fresh berries; carrot spice; peanut, honey and banana.
3. Steel-cut oatmeal keeps well in the fridge, so you can cook up a large batch and have some every morning for breakfast. Reheat for 45 seconds to 1 minute in the microwave, then stir.