Usually, the words “quick” and “steel cut oats” do not go together when you’re talking about preparation of this delicious grain. Usually one must cook the oats for a minimum of 30 minutes or so before they are edible, which is a lot longer than the more attractive five minutes it takes to whip up a bowl of rolled oats.
For years I wanted to try steel cut oats – a minimally processed grain, with a nutty flavor, and lower glycemic index than its rolled sibling – but was really put off by the cooking time. 30 minutes spent over a hot stove in the morning before going to work? No way. And I’ve preferred something like pancakes, eggs, and/or bacon on the weekends, when I had the time I could devote to cooking the oats.
If you soak them the night before, it accomplishes two things: 1) it breaks up the phytic acid and the oats, therefore increasing their nutritional value, and 2) it gets something delicious in your belly in about 5 minutes, and becomes a realistic weekday breakfast option.
The soaking has completely changed the way I eat steel cut oats forever. I rarely make rolled oats for breakfast anymore. Steel cut oats all the way! Yummeh.
Quick Steel Cut Oats
These are great just with cold raw milk. Other successful additions include cinnamon, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. Fresh fruit is another addition, but I have found that I prefer dried fruits. Also, be sure to soak the oats in a non-reactive bowl – I prefer tempered glass to just about anything else.
1/2 cup dry steel cut oats
1/2 cup water
pinch of base (baking soda); or, a splash of vinegar, lemon juice, or kefir; or, a small bit of yogurt
At night, combine 1/2 c oats with 1/2 c water and the acid or base. Let it sit out overnight, covered by a towel.
Then, in the morning, dump the oats (which have swelled up with water) into a pot, and add a half cup more of water. Heat it up until the rest of the water absorbs and the oats become a porridge consistency, 3-5 minutes.
Serve with cold, raw milk, and fruit/nut combinations if you like.
Eat it up! Makes two portions.
