This method for cooking steel cut oatmeal comes out perfect every time - with a nutty, chewy texture, never slimy, sticky, or mushy! Bringing the oats to a boil the night before, leaving overnight to absorb the water slowly, and reheating and adding milk of choice the next morning is an easy, hands-off approach that's perfect for busy mornings!
1cupmilk of choice(whole, almond, soy... whatever you want!)
toppings of choice(sweetener, berries, spices... see notes for ideas)
Instructions
In the evening, mix the 1 cup steel cut oats, 3 cups water, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt to a medium pot. Stir together and bring to a boil. Stir ONCE, turn of the heat, and cover. Leave overnight on the stovetop (or refrigerate if you prefer, see notes).
In the morning, stir in the 1 cup milk of choice and bring back to a boil. Cover and turn the heat down to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Give it one final stir and serve with toppings of choice.
Video
Notes
Note on added salt: feel free to take the amount down to 1/4 teaspoon if you want a lower sodium version. But oats do benefit from adding salt - it doesn't really make it taste "salty" but does make it not bland, and makes the flavor of the oats pop!
Stovetop vs. Refrigeration: In my research for this recipe, there was some concern for food safety with leaving the oats out overnight on the stovetop. I personally leave it out on the stovetop, but if you want to be extra cautious with food safety, feel free to transfer the oats, once they have boiled and cooled off for a little while, to an airtight container in the fridge overnight. Then, transfer back to a pot in the morning and proceed, or scoop out a single serving portion and reheat in the microwave.
Toppings: I personally love to top mine with a pat of Irish salted butter, a sprinkle of brown sugar, and a scoop of defrosted frozen berries. Feel free to top with what you want - maple syrup, honey, a scoop of Greek yogurt, apples and cinnamon, bananas or other fruit, nuts, or even a savory combination like a fried egg with green onions and grated cheese.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5 days. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months and defrost for a night or two in the fridge for best results before reheating.