Hearty Steel Cut Oats

     I love steel cut oats! These oats are simply whole oat groats that have been cut into smaller pieces by a steel blade. They are chewier and less process than traditional rolled oats. Many people are reluctant to prepare steel cut oats because they take a long time, but if you plan ahead and follow my shortcut the night before, then you can reduce the cooking time. 

Hearty Steel Cut Oats

Serves 2 to 4

1 cup steel cut oats

4 cups of water

2 bananas, sliced

Fresh or frozen blueberries

Walnuts (or other nut of choice i.e.: almonds, pecans)

Agave nectar or pure maple syrup (to taste)

1. THE NIGHT BEFORE, bring steel cut oats and water to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Allow the oats and water to boil for about one minute. Make sure the water does not boil over.
3. After the mixture has boiled for a minute, cover and turn off the heat. Leave the covered saucepan on the stove until the following morning. Do not refrigerate.
4. In the morning heat the oats over medium heat and stir. Add more water if needed. You can also add soy milk or any other non-dairy milk (almond, rice, hemp). 
5. Continue to heat the oats for 5-10 minutes until hot and creamy.
6. Add agave nectar or pure maple syrup and mix into the oats.
7. Add in the blueberries and stir gently.
8. Spoon the oats into the bowls and top with walnuts and bananas.

For a different version of this recipe, leave out the blueberries and once the oats are cooked, sprinkle in some cinnamon, a little vanilla extract, and a pinch of nutmeg, and stir. Serve the oats into bowls and top with bananas, dates, and nuts.