5 Minute Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal
How’s everybody doing with their new year resolutions so far? Are you ready to throw in the towel and bake a batch of Christmas cookies?
I know, it’s tempting. I’m trying to stay focused.
I’m two for two in the workout department this week and I even convinced the hubs to go for a run with me last night. He’s usually like a stick in the mud when it comes to exercising, especially running, but a little whining about having to go alone in the dark eventually did the trick. We ran together for almost 30 minutes, until my ears started aching so bad, I thought they were going to fall off of my head.
Note to self: it’s winter.
Between growing up in Florida and living in Texas and now California, it’s easy to forget these things. The weather is pretty mild and I rarely find myself needing to bundle up to go outside.
It’s still cold enough to make me crave warm foods though and one of my favorites to make this time of year is steel cut oatmeal.
If you’re new to steel cut oatmeal, the oats are slightly less processed than rolled, giving them a lower glycemic index which means they don’t raise your blood sugar as high after eating them. In addition, they’re also slightly slower in calories and they also have a chewier texture, making them less mushy than rolled oats.
That’s really the main reason I prefer steel cut- I think the texture is so much better than the rolled kind.
The only drawback is that steel cut can take a little bit longer to cook. I used to only have time to make them on the weekends but then I saw this method on Jackie’s blog a long time ago and I’ve been making this way ever since. It makes life so much easier! Plus I’m a huge fan of waking up and having breakfast pretty much ready to go.
Okay, so I’m going to walk you through the steps so you can see for yourself how easy it is. Start by bringing 3 cups filtered water to a boil in a large pot then add 1 cup of steel cut oats and a pinch of salt.
Allow the oats to boil for one minute and then turn the burner off and cover the pot with a lid. Now it’s bed time! Nighty-night!
When you wake up the next morning, stumble your way into the kitchen and the turn the burner back on to the high heat setting then pour in 1/2 cup to 1 cup (depending on thick you like your oats-I usually use about 3/4 cup) of unsweetened almond milk and stir together.
As the oats begin to boil, continue to stir intermittently and cook, until about 4 minutes have passed.
Then that’s it! They’re ready to be served warm with your favorite toppings.
I personally like sliced bananas, vanilla almond butter, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, and maybe a few nuts and some coconut, if I’m feeling lucky.
Also, since this makes a fairly large batch, I usually have leftovers that I store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Then I just microwave them for about 2 minutes when I’m ready to eat some more.
This method has made eating oatmeal so much easier for me and I hope you find it does the same for you. Stay warm and enjoy, friends!
Ingredients
3 cups filtered water
1 cup steel cut oats
pinch of salt
1/2 to 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or preferred milk)
suggested toppings:
sliced banana
pumpkin seeds
hemp seeds
vanilla almond butter
shredded coconut
chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 3 cups water to a boil and then add 1 cup oats and a pinch of salt. Allow to boil for one minutes then turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Bed time!
- The next morning, turn the heat to medium-high and remove the lid. Pour in the almond milk using 1/2 cup for thicker oats or 1 cup for thinner oats. Cook while continuing to stir for 3 to 4 minutes then transfer to a bowl for serving. Top with desired toppings and enjoy!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Microwave on high for 2 minutes when ready to serve.
Yes!! This is exactly how I cook my steel cut oats and I LOVE how they turn out in the morning! I normally heat them up at work with milk instead of on the stove, but they turn out just as delicious. I will be trying that topping combination soon!
You’re one strong soul to be running outside in the cold! I’m a little ninny when it comes to cold weather, myself, which I totally use as an excuse to..ooh…I dunno…not work out at all during the winter ;)
LURVE me some overnight oars! I’m right there with you on the banana and nut situation…so simple, so healthful and tasty. Love this tutorial!!
I love oatmeal and usually use rolled oats. I know steel cut is better and reallly should try making the switch. Thanks for the recipe suggestions!
Love steel cut oats!
Hi Sarah! Cool technique. Thanks for sharing, I may need to try this. I almost always use rolled oats, but would like to switch things up. And good job on the workouts:)
Thanks for sharing this! I have never tired steel cut oats before, as I have just recently gotten on board with hot oatmeal. I’ll have to try them out since you say the texture is better!
I’ve actually never tried steel cut oats before because rolled oats are just so convenient. This is pretty easy though!
Love banana in my oatmeal too.
I am a big oatmeal fan and always want to have steel cut oats instead, but they are so much harder to cook. I am going to have to try this technique!
I need to get on the oats train for breakfast… I like oats but I’ve been riding the egg train for awhile. These look awesome and I love the step-by-step pics!
I absolutely love steel-cut oats (I think they may be my favorite kind!) but I never seem to have time to make them lately. This method is genius!! This is so happening as soon as I get back home from traveling.
That looks awesome! I used to like making steel cut oats, I’ll have to try this method sometime :)
This is awesome! I keep thinking about how I want oatmeal since it’s so cold outside, but I’m too lazy in the mornings. I think I should definitely try this method.
And kudos for being on the workout train! I’ve been sick all week and haven’t worked out since Saturday. It’s driving me nuts haha.
Don’t worry, there is plenty of time left to work out, haha! It’s good that you are resting and letting your body heal itself. I hope you feel better soon!
I want steel cut oats now! I mean… these pictures are really gorgeous (I’m drooling) plus now I know how to cook the oats properly. Beautiful recipe!
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