You know, there’s something about the aroma of steel cut oats cooking that just makes a home feel warm and inviting, especially when the weather’s turning cooler. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, and using the Instant Pot makes it even better—quick and fuss-free. My kids always say it smells like “weekend mornings,” and I can’t help but agree as I sprinkle a bit of cinnamon and watch the steam swirl up, mingling with memories of lazy breakfasts and endless mugs of coffee.
Steps
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- In a 6-quart Instant Pot, combine water, unsweetened almond milk, steel cut oats, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and pure maple syrup. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Allow the pressure to build, which takes about 10 minutes before the cooking timer starts.
- Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the lid once the pressure is fully released.
- Stir the oats thoroughly, tasting and adding more cinnamon or maple syrup if desired. The oats will thicken as they cool.
- Serve the oats hot, ladling them into bowls and adding your choice of toppings such as fresh fruit, toasted nuts, chia seeds, or a splash of milk. Enjoy your delicious breakfast!
Ingredients
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or additional water
- 2 cups steel cut oats (do not substitute with other types of oats)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey (optional; adjust to taste)
- Optional toppings: fresh fruit, chopped toasted nuts, chia seeds or flaxseeds, additional maple syrup or honey, splash of milk
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1436kcal | Carbohydrates: 252g | Protein: 52g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Potassium: N/A | Fiber: 36g | Sugar: 36g | Calcium: 548mg | Iron: 12mg
FAQ
- What are steel cut oats and how do they differ from other types of oats?
- Steel cut oats are a less processed form of oats, cut with steel blades to resemble whole oats. Unlike rolled, quick, or instant oats, which are steamed and flattened to varying degrees, steel cut oats maintain their shape and texture, offering a chewy and nutty experience. This less processed form gives them a longer cooking time but a superior texture.
- Why use an Instant Pot to cook steel cut oats?
- The Instant Pot offers a completely hands-free cooking method for steel cut oats, making it easy and foolproof. It cooks the oats in about 25 minutes, allowing you to start the process and walk away, returning to perfectly cooked oats without needing to monitor them constantly.
- Are steel cut oats healthier than rolled oats?
- Both steel cut and rolled oats are nutritious, rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. However, steel cut oats have a higher fiber content and rank lower on the glycemic index than rolled oats, making them a slightly healthier option due to their more gradual digestion and longer-lasting energy release.
- Can I use dairy milk in the Instant Pot when making steel cut oats?
- While you can use dairy milk, some users have reported receiving “burn” warnings when doing so. To avoid this issue, it is safer to use almond milk or water as the liquid base for your oats.
- How can I customize my Instant Pot steel cut oats?
- There are endless topping options for steel cut oats to suit your tastes. You can add fresh or frozen fruits, nuts, seeds, or even spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. For sweetness, consider using maple syrup or honey. You can also mix in ingredients like pumpkin puree or nut butter for added flavor.
Tips
- Use Almond Milk or Water: To avoid potential burn warnings in your Instant Pot, it’s recommended to use almond milk or water instead of dairy milk, as some users have experienced issues with dairy milk.
- Customize with Toppings: Enhance your oatmeal by adding a variety of toppings such as fresh or dried fruits, chia seeds, nut butter, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Experiment to find your perfect combination.
- Meal Prep for Convenience: Cook a large batch of steel cut oats and store individual portions in the refrigerator or freezer for easy, quick breakfasts throughout the week. Add a splash of water or milk when reheating to achieve the desired consistency.
- Adapt for Different Instant Pot Sizes: For an 8-quart Instant Pot, reduce the cooking time to 3 minutes on high pressure. For a 3-quart Instant Pot, cut the recipe ingredients in half without altering cooking times.
Equipment
- Instant Pot (6-quart size recommended)
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
