Trying Out Steel Cut Oatmeal
A month ago we made a switch from morning cereal to oatmeal. You’ve probably seen the commercials of those people saying their cholesterol went down so many points after eating oatmeal every morning for a month. We thought, it couldn’t hurt to give it a try. Anyways, I was never really much of a cold cereal person so this was pretty easy for me.
After plowing through a container of quick cook oats, we decided to try out these Steel Cut Oats that everyone seems to be talking about. This style of oatmeal is less processed (not rolled out like the traditional and quick cook style), the oat is just cut into several pieces – leaving a much more textured oatmeal.
Here it is right out of the package. You can see that it looks much harder than the rolled oats. Because of this it takes a little while longer to cook.
Basically what I do is look at the package instructions to see the oatmeal to water or milk ratio. I put in half the liquid with all of the oatmeal into a large bowl (use a big one so it doesn’t overflow while in the microwave). I microwave this for about 1.5 minutes. Usually all of the liquid gets absorbed after this, so I add a little more liquid in and let it sit for about 10 minutes to get soft. After that I add the remaining liquid and microwave again for about 1.5 minutes. When it comes out if it needs a little extra milk I just top it off and stir it in until it reaches a nice creamy consistency.
The picture below was taken while the oatmeal was resting after the first round in the microwave. The picture at the top was taken after the final time in the microwave. You can see that the top one is a bit creamier after the second zap in the micro.
We usually add dried blueberries or cranberries for some sweetness instead of plain sugar or other sweetener.
The verdict? My husband wasn’t a huge fan of it, he thought it was a little too chewy. I on the other hand liked the change of pace from the regular rolled oats. Basically if you like a little more bite and texture to your oatmeal, you’ll probably enjoy this steel cut version of oatmeal. And if the double round of microwaving doesn’t appeal to you, I’ve read about others who simply leave it in the slow cooker overnight and have perfect oatmeal in the morning!
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13 comments - March 31, 2009
I much prefer steel cut to regular oatmeal because of the chewier texture, but it does take longer to prepare. I’ve always cooked it on the stove top over low heat, about 30 min or until it reaches as good consistency. It’s well worth the wait.
I doubt that I’ll ever see that type of oats here in Italy and gotta settle for quick oats. Thanks for sharing this, and for adding the part about oats being good for lowering cholesterol? I didn’t know this!
yummy! you take really nice pictures! i like steel cut oatmeal much better than the regular stuff. but, we can’t handle eating it everyday. we try to do mon-wed-fri. =) also, the cheapest i’ve found has been from the bulk bins at down to earth. they sell the organic steel cut oats, and its cheaper than buying it in the box or can. oh, i just cook it on the stove. bring it up to a boil, then simmer on low for 10 minutes. whichever is easier for you.
Hi alan and sara,
Glad to hear you also like steel cut oatmeal. And thanks for your tips on cooking this type of oatmeal on the stove top!
I like the chewy texture of the oatmeal too, but those instant oatmeal packets only take 1.5 minutes in the microwave, so i end up eating that.
Hey lauren,
I totally understand. It is hard to wait when you are running late for work in the morning and just need to run out the door!
Hey rowena,
Shucks, that’s too bad that you haven’t seen this type around there. Maybe you’ll have to pick some up when you come home again, I’m sure Kauai has it!
I´m really into organic steel-cut oatmeal too!;o) Nice pictures.
I have been eating steel cut for 3 weeks now and hope it is working to lower my cholesterol. Did you notice any change in your digestive system or bowel movements? I just use the Quacker Steel Cut-it says it “removes” cholesterol
Hi kathy,
My husband ate it more than I did – but no change in what you were asking, but his cholesterol did go down!
They really do work…cut my cholesterol more than in half!!
Great to hear kathy!
Soak one cup of oats in four cups of water overnight and then when you get up in the morning, get it to boil, reduce to simmer and in maybe 15 minutes or so, they’re ready!!! Saves you time in the a.m.
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