How to Prepare Steel Cut Oats: Soaking vs Slow Cooking Methods
Understanding how to prepare steel cut oats is key to unlocking the full nutritional and flavor benefits. There are two popular methods, soaking and slow cooking. Both methods offer unique advantages and can significantly improve the texture and digestibility of these hearty oats. In this article, we will explore both techniques and provide tips for making the most of your morning oats.
Soaking Method for Steel Cut Oats
The soaking method is a simple process that can save you both time and effort while enhancing the texture of your steel cut oats. Here's how to do it:
1. Measure the Oats
Decide how much steel cut oats you want to prepare. A common serving is about 1/4 cup dry per person. This is a versatile serving size that can be adjusted based on your needs and dietary preferences.
2. Rinse the Oats
Optionally, rinse the oats under cold water. This step helps remove some of the excess starch, which can improve the texture and enhance digestibility.
3. Combine with Water
Combine the rinsed oats with water in a bowl or container. A general ratio is 1 part oats to 4 parts water. For example, if you are using 1 cup of oats, you would use 4 cups of water.
4. Add an Acid (Optional)
To further enhance the digestibility and break down the oats, you can add yoghurt, buttermilk, or lemon juice. A tablespoon of any of these will suffice.
5. Soak Overnight
Cover the bowl or container and let it sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight. It's recommended to soak for 6-12 hours for optimal results.
6. Cooking the Next Day
Drain and cook the soaked oats the next day. If there's excess water, you can drain some off, but it's also fine to use the soaking water for cooking. Bring the oats and soaking water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This is significantly less time than the usual 30-40 minutes for unsoaked oats.
7. Add Flavorings
Feel free to add salt, sweeteners, or spices during cooking to suit your taste preferences.
8. Tips for Soaking
- Experiment with Ratios: Adjust the water ratio based on your desired consistency.
- Storage: If you soak more oats than needed, you can store the soaked oats in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
This method not only saves time but can also yield a creamier texture when cooked.
Alternative: Slow Cooker Oatmeal
An alternative method to soaking and cooking the oats is to prepare them in a slow cooker. This is particularly useful when you have a busy schedule and cannot monitor the cooking process.
1. Select Your Ingredients
Load the slow cooker with the following typical ingredients:
Steel cut oats (1/2 cup per person) Heavy cream (1/2 cup per person) Water (for the total amount of liquid required for the oats) Generous amount of dried fruit (like dates, cherries, or blueberries) Optional: Dates, cherries, or blueberries (pre-soaked)Since dried fruit is rather sweet, you usually don't need to add sugar. However, you can add sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter oatmeal. For nuts and sausage, the advice is to add these ingredients in the morning. Add pecans if you like, and also consider adding a cooked breakfast sausage for a delicious variation.
2. Cooking Process
Just before bed, place all the ingredients in the slow cooker and turn it on “low.” By the morning, the oats will be ready to eat. The oats will absorb the flavors and cook throughout the night, resulting in a delicious and creamy texture.
The beauty of this method is that it requires minimal attention and can be done the night before, saving you valuable morning time.
Whether you choose to soak and cook your oats the next day or prepare them in a slow cooker, these techniques can enhance the flavor and texture of your morning meal. Give them a try and enjoy the benefits of these hearty, nutrient-rich oats!