CORE Steel Cut Oats Porridge

I have recently been exposed to steel cut oats and they are fabulous!

What are Steel cut oats?

Steel cut oats are whole grain groats (the inner portion of the oat kernel) which have been cut into only two or three pieces. Also known as Scotch or Irish oats. They look like a chopped up rice grain.

Rolled oats have usually been steamed, rolled and toasted (sometimes more than once), so steel cut is significantly less processed than traditiional rolled oats or quick oats.

Steel cut oats are different in texture and taste from rolled oats. They are a little chewier, have a nutty flavour and need to be cooked longer (like brown rice compared to white). They also take longer to digest and keep you full a lot longer! When I eat Steel cut, no snacks necessary between meals.

Generally not in supermarkets, but cheap from health food shops ($3-ish for 500g) or loose in bulk from grain/organics type places.

This recipe reheats well. I make a batch and put in 4 tubs.
I put 1/4 cup milk on the cold oats and microwave for 2-3 mins.

Serves: 4

Difficulty: Easy
Time: about 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup steel cut oats (200g)
• 1 TB olive oil (oil is optional, dry toasting works well in non-stick pans)
• 1 tsp mixed spice or cinnamon
• 1 cup nonfat milk
• 3 cups water

Method:
Warm a large non-stick pan with 1 TB olive oil.
Note, if you have a good non-stick pan you can dry toast without the oil (ie a pan which is black inside - eg Circulon, or any of the new post-Teflon breeds)
Add 1 cup steel cut oats and toast for a few minutes (go by smell and colour).
I like to add 1 tsp of mixed spice or cinnamon when toasting.
Then turn down to lowest heat, add 3 cups boiling water, cover and simmer for 20 mins WITHOUT STIRRING (hence the nonstick).
Stir, add 1 cup milk and simmer for another 5-10 mins.
Serve with a splash of nonfat milk and your favourite toppings.

Click here for lots of flavouring ideas

NB - if in a hurry, don't toast, but flavour is greatly improved by this
Not on Core? The total for this recipe is approx 15 points (4 points for serve)