Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal

Why Make This Recipe

Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal is a wonderful breakfast option. It is warm, comforting, and incredibly healthy. Steel cut oats are whole grain and full of fiber, making them a great way to start your day with energy. Adding apples gives the oatmeal a sweet flavor and extra nutrition. This recipe is also super customizable, so you can change it based on what you have at home or your preferences.

What makes this oatmeal stand out is its texture. Steel cut oats are chewier than rolled oats because they are less processed. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to deepen, creating a creamy and delicious meal. By adding apples and cinnamon, you not only enhance the taste but also fill the oatmeal with essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, this dish is perfect for colder mornings when you want something cozy and warm.

You can easily prepare a large batch to have leftovers for those busy mornings, which means you can enjoy a wholesome breakfast without much hassle. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, making Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal is a no-brainer for those seeking a healthy start to their day.

How to Make Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal

This simple recipe requires just a few steps and is great for anyone—whether you are an expert in the kitchen or just starting out. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 4 cups water or milk (or a mix of both)
• 2 medium apples, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Boil the Liquid: Start by taking a medium saucepan. Pour in 4 cups of water or milk. You can use all water, all milk, or a mix of both, depending on your preference. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

2. Add the Oats: Once the liquid is boiling, add in the steel cut oats and a pinch of salt. This will help enhance the flavor of the oats.

3. Simmer the Oats: Reduce the heat to low and let the oats simmer. You will want to simmer them for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

4. Incorporate the Apples and Cinnamon: After 10 minutes, add the diced apples and ground cinnamon into the mixture. Stir everything together well.

5. Cook Until Creamy: Let the oatmeal continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes. During this time, the oats will absorb the flavors, and the apples will soften. Keep stirring every few minutes. The oatmeal should become creamy, and the oats should be tender but not mushy.

6. Sweeten Your Oatmeal: If you like your oatmeal sweet, you can stir in the maple syrup or honey at this point. This is optional, depending on your taste preference.

7. Serve Warm: Once ready, remove the saucepan from the heat. Serve the oatmeal warm in bowls.

How to Serve Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal

Serving Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal is a great chance for you to get creative. Here are some ideas on toppings and ways to serve it:

• Classic Preferences: Serve the oatmeal hot with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey on top. You can also sprinkle on some more ground cinnamon for extra flavor.

• Fruits and Nuts: Add extra fruits like blueberries, sliced bananas, or walnuts for added texture and nutrition. Almonds or pecans can add a delightful crunch.

• Dairy Options: If you like creamy oatmeal, a splash of milk or a dollop of yogurt will give you a rich mouthfeel. You can also try flavored yogurt for a fun twist.

• Spice it Up: To enhance the flavor, you could add a dash of nutmeg or vanilla extract.

Remember, it’s all about personal preference. Make your bowl of oatmeal as simple or as dressed up as you like.

How to Store Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal

If you cook a big batch of Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal, you might not finish it all in one sitting. Here’s how to store it:

• In the Refrigerator: Let the oatmeal cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you are ready to eat it, simply reheat the portion you want in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a little extra water or milk while reheating to achieve the desired consistency.

• Freezing Options: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the oatmeal. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.

Tips to Make Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal

Here are some handy tips to make your Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal even better:

1. Cook it Longer: You can simmer the oats for a bit longer than 20 minutes if you prefer a creamier texture, just keep an eye on the liquid amount to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

2. Adjust the Liquid: If you like your oatmeal a bit more runny, feel free to add a little more water or milk while cooking.

3. Use Different Apples: Experiment with different types of apples to see which flavor you like best. Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp can add a delightful taste, while tart apples like Granny Smith can offer a nice contrast.

4. Add Extras: Feel free to toss in some other nutritious ingredients, like chia seeds or flax seeds, for added health benefits.

5. Meal Prep: Make a big batch on a Sunday and portion it for the week ahead. Just reheat each morning for a quick and healthy breakfast!

Variation

If you want to try different flavors, here are some variations:

• Cinnamon Raisin: Add raisins or sultanas along with the apples for a chewy sweetness that complements the cinnamon.

• Pumpkin Spice: When autumn rolls around, substitute half the apples with pumpkin puree and add pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon for a seasonal twist.

• Nutty Banana: Swap out the apples for bananas. Add a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter for a protein punch.

• Berry Blast: Try adding mixed berries instead of apples. Blueberries or raspberries can provide a fresh tangy flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant oats instead of steel cut oats?
No, instant oats cook much faster than steel cut oats. If you want to use instant oats, you would need to adjust the cooking time and simply follow the instructions on the package.

2. Can I make this oatmeal in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage. Just reheat with a little liquid when you’re ready to eat.

3. Is this oatmeal gluten-free?
Yes, steel cut oats are typically gluten-free; however, always check the label to ensure they are processed in a gluten-free facility to avoid cross-contamination if you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.

4. Can I add protein powder to my oatmeal?
Yes! You can add protein powder while cooking the oats or after the oatmeal is prepared for an extra protein boost.

5. How can I make my oatmeal less chewy?
If you prefer softer oatmeal, you can increase the cooking time or use more water or milk than the recipe calls for. That way, the oats will absorb more liquid and become less chewy.

Now you’re all set to enjoy delicious Apple Steel Cut Oatmeal. Happy cooking!