Steel Cut Oats
Steel cut oats, also known as Irish oats, are whole oat groats cut into small pieces to reduce cooking time. It can take hours to cook whole oats. Steel cut oats are ready in about 30 to 40 minutes depending on the desired consistency.
Steel cut oats have more flavor and a chewy texture many people prefer over rolled oats and instant or quick cooking oats. Rolled and quick cooking oats are convenient, can be prepared in a matter of minutes and provide the same health benefits of steel cut oats. One major drawback is that they can be very mushy and form a paste that doesn’t lend itself to reheated leftovers. Instant oatmeal sold in individual packages can taste stale and have additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors. You can cook up a weeks worth of steel cut oats and reheat them on the stove or in your microwave oven.
I like steel cut oats. If you are unsure if you will like the flavor and texture, find a store that sells bulk foods, buy one cup (about 6 oz., 170 g) and cook according to the recipe link below. That way you’ll only invest a small amount of time and money.
Try steel cuts oats and you may never eat instant oatmeal again.
