Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe

Name: Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 7
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 cups steel cut oats; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 6 cups water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cups steel cut oats
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
6 cups water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Set a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot) to the saut function and press start. Heat olive oil in the cooker for 1 minute.

Step 2: Add steel cut oats and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are toasted, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the ground nutmeg and cinnamon. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Pour in the water and vanilla extract, stirring everything together. Turn off the saut function.

Step 5: Close and lock the lid of the pressure cooker. Set to high pressure according to the manufacturers instructions and set the timer for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build up. Once done, release the pressure using the natural-release method according to the manufacturers instructions (this may take 10 to 40 minutes).

Step 7: Unlock and remove the lid, then stir the oatmeal vigorously to mix the oats at the bottom of the pot, which may have thickened more.

Step 8: Scoop out about 1/2 cup of oatmeal and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 210
Fat: 7g (9% of daily value)
Saturated Fat: 1g (5% of daily value)
Cholesterol: 0mg (0% of daily value)
Sodium: 11mg (0% of daily value)
Total Carbohydrate: 31g (11% of daily value)
Dietary Fiber: 5g (17% of daily value)
Total Sugars: 1g
Protein: 6g (12% of daily value)
Vitamin C: 0mg (0% of daily value)
Calcium: 31mg (2% of daily value)
Iron: 2mg (11% of daily value)
Potassium: 167mg (4% of daily value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origins of Steel Cut Oats

Steel cut oats, also known as Irish oats, trace their origins back to Ireland and Scotland, where oats have been a dietary staple for centuries. Unlike rolled or instant oats, steel cut oats are made by chopping whole oat groats into coarse pieces using steel blades, which preserves their nutty flavor and chewy texture. Traditionally, these oats were cooked slowly over low heat in water or milk, creating a hearty breakfast that could sustain farmers and laborers through long mornings.

Regional Variations and Features

In Ireland, steel cut oats are often served plain or with a touch of salt, while in the United States, they are frequently sweetened with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup and combined with fruits, nuts, or spices. In Scotland, porridge made from similar coarse oats is sometimes enriched with cream or butter, emphasizing the rich, comforting texture. Each region has subtle differences in cooking times and liquid ratios, but the essential characteristic of steel cut oatsits firm, chewy grainsremains consistent.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Steel cut oats are distinct from rolled or instant oats in both texture and preparation. While rolled oats are steamed and flattened, giving them a softer, faster-cooking nature, steel cut oats retain their coarse shape, requiring longer cooking but offering a denser, nuttier bite. This sets them apart from oatmeal made from finer oats, which tends to be creamier and less textured. The cooking process in an Instant Pot simplifies the preparation, allowing the oats to maintain their characteristic chewiness without constant stirring.

Typical Serving and Presentation

Steel cut oats are commonly served as a breakfast dish, either in individual bowls or as part of a buffet spread in hotels and cafes. They pair beautifully with toppings like fresh berries, nuts, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey. In some households, a portion is cooked in advance and reheated throughout the week, providing a nutritious and satisfying start to the day. Some contemporary recipes even incorporate steel cut oats into savory dishes, adding a hearty, grainy texture to soups or side dishes.

Interesting Facts

Steel cut oats are less processed than rolled oats, which means they retain more fiber and nutrients.
The term "steel cut" refers to the method of chopping the oats with steel blades rather than rolling them.
Despite their longer cooking time traditionally, modern pressure cookers like the Instant Pot reduce cooking to around 15 minutes while preserving texture.
Oats were historically a symbol of sustenance and health in Celtic culture, often used in porridge for centuries as a simple, nourishing meal.
Steel cut oats can be stored uncooked for long periods without losing flavor, making them a practical pantry staple.

FAQ about Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe

Yes, you can store leftover oats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat by adding a little water or milk to the oats to restore their creamy texture.

Yes, you can freeze the oats in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm up on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water.

Yes, you can scale down the ingredients, but the cooking time will remain the same. For example, if you make half the recipe, the pressure cooking time will still be 15 minutes.

Yes, you can skip the oil if you prefer a lighter version. The oil adds richness, but it’s not essential for cooking the oats.

You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract, maple syrup, or simply omit it if you prefer a more neutral flavor.

To make the oats creamier, you can add a splash of milk or a dollop of cream after cooking. Alternatively, use a bit more water for a smoother consistency.

Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop. Use a large pot and bring the ingredients to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the oats reach your desired consistency.

You can add fruit like berries, raisins, or bananas. For extra sweetness, stir in honey or maple syrup after cooking. You can also try adding different spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique flavor.

If the oats are too thick, try adding more water next time. If they’re too runny, you can cook them a little longer, or let them sit for a few minutes to thicken. Adjust the water-to-oats ratio to match your preferred consistency.

Yes, you can make a large batch and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual servings for easy breakfasts later.

Comments

Ryan Nelson

10/26/2022 12:02:59 PM

This recipe produces a generous portion of oats that you can customize with your preferred level of sweetness. Despite adding ¼ tsp of nutmeg and 1 tsp of cinnamon, I didn't detect much spice flavor. I opted to cook it for 10 minutes as I've experienced oats sticking to the pot when cooked for longer durations. The resulting consistency was just right for my taste preferences.