Steel Cut Oats

joakool

I tried some steel cut oats for the first time this morning. I was wondering what the appeal was, and after trying them, I am still wondering. LOL. I don't know if they are something I would want to eat on a regular basis. It reminded me of eating rice? Am I missing something? Should I add some flavor to the oats? Are the health benefits so extraordinary, I should learn to like them? Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

subzerolv

Oats on their own aren't that flavorful. Try adding some cinnamon and bananas (or blueberries!).

As for the health benefits, I'm not sure they're the be-all-end-all, but they can be pretty good for you. They're a complex carb, which means they'll release their energy slower over a longer period of time, helping to reduce blood sugar spikes. Especially useful for diabetics (like me). And they're full of fiber, keeping you full longer.

stephabef

I add peanut butter, cinnamon, and almond milk to mine. They aren't super interesting alone, but they keep me full for a while.

sabrina32576

Add some brown sugar and dried fruits or raisins. They will taste so much better.

joakool

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try adding some flavor next time.

soccermom004

I use sugar free vanilla almond milk, throw in some died cranberries while it's cooking and toss in a few walnuts when they are done, yummy!

russelljclarke

I love them, and do eat them solo, but I prefer them in my muesli mix. Maybe if you don't get on with them you can give them to your horses

joakool

Yes, Russ! I had thought of that. My Thoroughbred is quite fond of warm, cooked oatmeal, so I'm sure he wouldn't complain about the oats like me.

warmachinejt

so what is the difference between old fashioned oats and steel cut oats

iishnova

What is the difference between steel cut oats and rolled oats?

ninjapixie87

so what is the difference between old fashioned oats and steel cut oats

I've been wondering the same thing.

pinuplove

so what is the difference between old fashioned oats and steel cut oats

I've been wondering the same thing.

Old fashioned rolled oats have been well, rolled, lol. They are flat, like flakes. Steel cut oats are little round grains still. They don't go through the flattening process and therefore are much heartier. They take a lot longer to cook, but the taste and texrure are far superior in my opinion! Not pasty at all, and they keep me full for a long time.

But you do have to add flavor! I like apples and walnuts, or blueberries and a bit of cinnamon. I also add a tiny bit of sugar but I'm trying to wean off of that and go with just the sweetness of the fruit.

kjaull

I believe in old fashioned Oats the oats have been cushed or flattened. Steel Cut, the oat is cut. The Steel cut take longer to digest becuase the process has not broken them down as much.?

warmachinejt

so do steel cut oats have to be cooked? cause sometimes i add oats to my protein shake but if i decide to buy steel cut oats would i have to cook them first?

Weighting4Happiness

I just put a teaspoon of pure maple syrup in mine to sweeten it, lol.
It's actually really good.

pinuplove

so do steel cut oats have to be cooked? cause sometimes i add oats to my protein shake but if i decide to buy steel cut oats would i have to cook them first?

Definitely! They are as hard as brown rice. I usually simmer them 30 - 40 minutes covered over very low heat. I make a lot at once and reheat.

joakool

so do steel cut oats have to be cooked? cause sometimes i add oats to my protein shake but if i decide to buy steel cut oats would i have to cook them first?

Definitely! They are as hard as brown rice. I usually simmer them 30 - 40 minutes covered over very low heat. I make a lot at once and reheat.

Very true. They take a lot longer to cook than "instant" oats.
With all these great add-in suggestions, I will have to give them another try.
I did notice (as mentioned here), they do keep you fuller longer.

OnceAndFutureAthlete

so do steel cut oats have to be cooked? cause sometimes i add oats to my protein shake but if i decide to buy steel cut oats would i have to cook them first?

Definitely! They are as hard as brown rice. I usually simmer them 30 - 40 minutes covered over very low heat. I make a lot at once and reheat.

They do take long(er) to cook, but I also make about 4 servings at once. It keep well in the fridge for those 3+ days. Easy to pop into the mocrowave and re-heat.

I add a drop of unpasteurized honey and a good portion of cinnamon.

Apazman

Good eats: Know your OATS!

Part One -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH8tEw938RM

Part Two -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j-Hkihja-0&feature=related

stephfilako

Glad I read this!! I just bought my first box today. Looks like it will be with fresh raspberries for me in the morning.

TeaBea

so what is the difference between old fashioned oats and steel cut oats

I've been wondering the same thing.

Both instant and old fashioned oat ..... are INSTANT oats

Old Fashioned are steamed & then rolled

Instant oats are steamed, & then rolled thinner

Steel Cut are not steamed. They are not cooked at all. Sometimes you can buy an "instant" steel cut. But those have been toasted or cooked in some way also.

atlantapiper

Not sure where you're located, but Trader Joe's frozen steel cut oatmeal....easy to fix (2 + 1 minutes in the microwave), brown sugar added, 150 calories, keeps you full...super good and super easy.

j3nn14er

what I do randomly that changes up the taste is cook them with coffee instead or water/milk. its pretty good. but if you're not a coffee person I also find a few blueberries thrown in to be excellent.

Pollywog39

I love them.....................that "barley" texture is awesome! I like the crunchy-nutty texture and flavor.

I add brown sugar and a teensy bit of milk - perfectomundo!

And, if you'd like an instant oatmeal without the icky/mushy texture, try Better Oats! They rock....and have super-awesome flavors like CHOCOLATE and blueberry muffin! delish.

ltlemermaid

I like to toast the oats for a few minutes before I cook them-gives it a different flavor. Also I like to add fruit or jams to mine. My husband likes his with cinnamon and brown sugar

LuckyLeprechaun

http://www.simplebites.net/how-to-cook-apple-pie-steel-cut-oats-in-a-slow-cooker/?doing_wp_cron=1327624598

I only made a couple small changes: I didn't have applesauce, so instead I increased the grated apple to 2 apples' worth. I dislike nutmeg so I added a little extra cinnamon, and the creamer I used was Coffeemate Cinnamon Vanilla creamer.

This is a really easy way to cook them, requires no baby-sitting of the pot, and this recipe comes in at 210 per serving :bigsmile:

momchelle3

Steph- I just bought my first box on Wed also, lol! Haven't made any yet, though. What did you think? I'm gonna try them tomorrow.