Steel Cut Oats: Pan-Cooked Perfection

Preparing steel-cut oats in a pan is a straightforward process that yields a delicious and nutritious breakfast. To start, you'll need a saucepan or pot, water, steel-cut oats, and a pinch of salt. Some recipes also suggest adding milk, butter or oil, and vanilla extract to enhance the flavour and texture.

Begin by bringing the water to a boil in your saucepan. Then, add the oats and salt, giving it a good stir. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for around 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. For softer oats, you can cook them for an additional 5-10 minutes. Finally, remove from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

You can customise your bowl of steel-cut oats with various toppings like fresh or dried fruits, nuts, seeds, spices, sweeteners, and dairy.

Choose your liquid: for every 1 cup of steel cut oats, you'll need 3 1/2 to 4 cups of liquid

When preparing steel-cut oats, the amount of liquid you'll need depends on your desired consistency. For every cup of steel-cut oats, use 3.5 to 4 cups of liquid for a thinner consistency, or less liquid for a thicker consistency. You can use a combination of water and milk, or just one of these options.

If you're using milk, you can choose from dairy milk or non-dairy milk alternatives such as coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk. For a more indulgent option, consider using whole milk.

It's also important to add a pinch of salt for each cup of steel-cut oats. This enhances the flavour of the oats without making them taste salty.

Place the liquid, oats and salt in a saucepan

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to get cooking!

First, grab a medium or medium-large saucepan. The oats will need some room to expand, so don't go for anything too small. Place your chosen liquid (water, milk, or a combination of the two) in the pan and bring it to a boil over high heat. The amount of liquid you'll need depends on how thick you like your oats—for every 1 cup of steel cut oats, you'll need 3 1/2 to 4 cups of liquid. If you're using water, plain tap water will do just fine.

Once your liquid is boiling, it's time to add the oats and salt. Give the oats a good stir to make sure they're fully incorporated, then bring the mixture back to a boil. At this point, you'll want to reduce the heat to low so that the oats are at a gentle simmer. Don't walk away from the pot, as oats sometimes like to boil over. Keep an eye on them and give them a stir every now and then to make sure they aren't sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Let the oats simmer for about 20 minutes, then decide on your desired texture. If you like your oats with a chewier texture, take them off the heat after 20 minutes. For softer, thicker, and creamier oats, let them simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Remember, the oats will continue to thicken as they cool, so don't worry if they seem too thin at first.

And that's it! You've successfully cooked your steel cut oats. Now comes the fun part—topping your oats with your favourite ingredients. Whether you're a fan of fresh fruit, nuts, spices, or a drizzle of honey, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy your hearty and healthy breakfast!

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer

Once you've placed your liquid, oats, and salt in a saucepan, it's time to bring the mixture to a boil. This is a crucial step in preparing steel-cut oats, as it forms the base for the creamy texture that makes this dish so appealing. Here's a detailed guide on how to execute this step perfectly:

Step 1: Bring the Mixture to a Boil

Place your saucepan on a stove burner and turn the heat to medium-high. The liquid inside will start to heat up and eventually reach its boiling point. This is when you'll see bubbles forming rapidly and the liquid starting to churn. The boiling point can vary depending on factors like altitude and the composition of your liquid (whether it's water, milk, or a mix of both). Keep a close eye on the saucepan to ensure the liquid doesn't boil over.

Step 2: Add the Oats and Salt

Once the liquid is boiling, it's time to add the star ingredient—the steel-cut oats. Pour them slowly into the boiling liquid, stirring continuously. Adding the oats at this stage ensures they cook evenly and attain the desired chewy texture. Along with the oats, add a tiny pinch of salt, less than 1/8 teaspoon. Salt enhances the natural nuttiness of the oats and brings out their flavour.

Step 3: Reduce to a Simmer

After adding the oats and salt, it's essential to reduce the heat to low. This step is crucial in preventing the oats from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan. Adjust the heat to low or medium-low, depending on your stove's settings. The mixture should continue to simmer gently, with occasional bubbles rising to the surface.

Step 4: Stir and Simmer

At this stage, your steel-cut oats will need time to cook thoroughly. Let them simmer on low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stirring is essential to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensuring even cooking. Use a spatula or a wooden spoon to gently scrape along the bottom and sides of the pan.

Step 5: Adjust Texture and Consistency

After the initial simmering period, your oats will need an additional 5 to 10 minutes of cooking time to reach the ideal texture. The length of this additional cooking time depends on your preference for chewy or softer oats. For a chewier texture, remove the oats from the heat after the initial 20 minutes. If you prefer softer, thicker, and creamier oats, continue cooking for the full 30 minutes. Remember that the oats will continue to thicken as they cool, so don't be concerned if they seem too thin at this point.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once your oats have reached the desired texture, it's time to add the finishing touches. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the oats sit for a few minutes to finish thickening. This resting period allows the oats to cool to a palatable temperature and ensures they attain the perfect consistency. At this point, you can add a splash of milk or any other desired liquid to enhance the creaminess. You can also stir in flavour enhancers like vanilla extract, cinnamon, or maple syrup.

Choose your texture: for chewier oats, cook for 20 minutes. For softer, thicker oats, cook for 30 minutes

After the oats have been simmering for 20 minutes, they will need an additional 5 to 10 minutes of simmering to reach their ideal texture. The ideal texture is defined by you, the oatmeal chef!

If you like your oats with a more chewy texture, stop cooking them sooner. For softer, thicker, and creamier oats, continue cooking for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes until the oatmeal is as tender as you like. If the oatmeal becomes thicker than you would like, add a little extra water or milk to thin it out to your desired consistency.

The oats will continue to thicken as they cool, so don't worry if they seem too thin.

Top with your favourite ingredients, such as fresh fruit, dried fruit, chocolate, nuts, seeds or spices

Now that you've cooked your steel-cut oats, it's time to top them with your favourite ingredients! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fresh Fruit

Sliced bananas, blueberries, strawberries, apples, pears, cherries, peaches, mangoes, raspberries, blackberries, or pomegranate arils. You could also add some citrus zest or applesauce for a tangy twist.

Dried Fruit

Try dried cranberries, raisins, apricots, dates, figs, prunes, blueberries, cherries, or chopped dried apricots. Dried fruit is a great option if you're looking for a longer-lasting topping or want to add a chewy texture to your oats.

Chocolate

Chocolate chips, dark chocolate, or cocoa powder are perfect for those with a sweet tooth. For an extra indulgent treat, add a splash of cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Nuts

Toasted chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or peanuts will add a crunchy texture and a boost of protein to your oats. You could also try almond or peanut butter for a creamy, nutty flavour.

Seeds

Chia seeds, flaxseeds, poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are all great options. They provide a nutritional boost and a satisfying crunch.

Spices

A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or cardamom will add a warm and aromatic flavour to your oats. You could also try a dash of ground ginger for a hint of spice.

Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your own unique combinations. Enjoy your hearty and delicious breakfast!

Frequently asked questions