Get step-by-step directions for how to cook steel cut oats and see creative steel cut oats recipe ideas.

Plus, their health benefits.

The FDA Just Banned Red Dye No.

alt

3: The Future of Processed Foods

Is Red Wine Any Healthier for You Than White Wine?

Proffee Is the Hottest New Beverage Trendbut Should You Really Be Adding Protein to Your Coffee?

As far as healthy foods go, oatmeal is pretty basic.

alt

It isnt mashed up and served at parties likeavocados.

It isnt colorful likesmoothiesorbeet-based hummus.

And it isnt ever-evolving like plant-based meat.

An image of four wine glasses on a wooden surface

But you know what oatmeal is?

Reliable, nutrient-rich, and endlessly customizableand these traits certainly count for alot.

Instant oats are pre-cooked and boiled so they take less time to cook.

Young woman mixing ice coffee

Rolled oats are steamed and pressed when theyre processed.

This helps them cook faster and absorb more liquid.

(If youre baking with oats, this is the one to go with.)

Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

Steel-cut oats are made by the oat groats being chopped instead of rolled.

This makes their texture similar to rice, with an alluringly toasty, nutty flavor.

All three oat varieties make for a delicious and healthy breakfast.

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.

Want to give steel-cut oats a try?

What are the health benefits of oats?

Here are some of the biggest benefits to be aware of:

1.

red pigment in a wooden spoon

Oats are a good source of fiber.

They provide the body with energy.

Besides those four grams of fiber, a quarter-cup of steel-cut oats hasfive grams of protein.

alt

Oats are full of antioxidants that fight inflammation.

Another nutrient oats are full of is antioxidants, which are linked to supporting both brain and heart health.

This is becauseantioxidantshelp fight chronic inflammation, protecting the body from free radicals.

alt

Thats why its so important to fill up on antioxidant-rich foods, like steel-cut oats.

They keep blood sugar levels steady.

Ever have one of those days where you feel all over the place?

alt

Youre energized and in a good mood and then an hour later you just completely crash?

Thats not going to happen with oats.

Oats are good for the skin.

alt

Oatmeal is often a topical remedy for inflamed skin for this reason; its that effective!

Heres how to do it, step-by-step:

1.

Mix your steel-cut oats with water, milk, or alternative milk.

alt

There are a couple different options when it comes to what liquid to cook your oats in.

Either one is greattheres no wrong option hereit just comes down to personal preference.

Besides deciding what liquid to go with, you also need to decide how much you want to use.

The typical liquid to steel-cut oats ratio is 2.5 cups of liquid per cup of oats.

If you want extra-creamy oatmeal, add another half cup of liquid.

Pour the liquid into a saucepan on the stove and bring to a boil over high heat.

Over time, theyll get softer and chewier.

This takes between 20 and 30 minutes.

The longer you cook your oats, the chewier the texture will be.

Sporadically stir the oats so they dont stick to the bottom of the pan.

While you cook, incorporate other spices into your steel-cut oats.

Want something warming and sweet?

Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom.

Prefer a savory bowl of oats?

Try basil and dried sage.

Theres no shortage of ways to experiment.

Once your oats are cooked, add your other ingredients on top.

When your steel-cut oats are done cooking, pour them into a bowl.

Then, add in any other ingredients you want to round out your meal.

Again, this can be sweet or savory.

5. back up your leftovers for later.

you could also store your cooked steel-cut oats in the freezer, extending their shelf-life to about three months.

Youll just have to give them time to thaw before reheating them.

If you need some ideas of what to pair with your oats, keep reading for some delicious ideas.

5 steel-cut oats recipe ideas

1.

The toppings are simple and tend to be crowd-pleasers: banana, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.

Add nut butter for extra protein and creaminess.

Get the recipe:cinnamon-banana steel-cut oats

2.

Pumpkin pie oats

Try this recipe once and youll have it on repeat all fall long.

Pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla, and banana are cooked right along with the oats.

Flaxseeds are also incorporated, which ups the fiber and protein even more.

Get the recipe:pumpkin pie oats

3.

Lentil and steel-cut oats

Steel-cut oats dont have to be regulated to breakfast.

Here, theyre used to make a flavorful dinner jam-packed with other fiber-rich ingredients like lentils and mixed veggies.

Get the recipe:lentil and steel-cut oats

4.

Pro tip: addnutritional yeastfor an unexpected hit of cheesiness.

Get the recipe:steel-cut oats and eggs

5.

Steel-cut oats and sweet potato

This oat-based dish is both sweet and savory.

Whatever you end up in your bowl, youll be benefiting your body in a whole lot of ways.

And chances are, no one will call your meal basic.

Get more healthy recipe ideasand share your own favoritesinWell+Goods Cook With Us Facebook group.

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.