Steel-cut oats, often referred to as Irish oatmeal, are a fantastic way to start your day. They’re packed with nutrients like B vitamins, calcium, protein, and fiber, making them a wholesome breakfast choice. Whether you prefer your oatmeal chewy or creamy, you can achieve the perfect texture using a pressure cooker. Plus, toasting the oats before cooking adds a delightful depth of flavor to your morning bowl. Let’s get started.
SERVES 2
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup steel-cut oats, toasted
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegan margarine, such as Earth Balance
- Pinch of salt
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Begin by setting up your pressure cooker. Place the rack inside it and pour about half an inch of water (approximately 1/2 cup) over the rack.
- In a metal bowl that fits inside the pressure cooker and can rest on the rack, combine the steel-cut oats, butter or margarine, salt, and 3 1/2 cups of water.
- Lock the lid of the pressure cooker securely into place.
- Bring the pressure cooker to low pressure. For chewy oatmeal, maintain the pressure for 5 minutes. If you prefer a creamier texture, maintain the pressure for 8 minutes.
- After cooking, remove the pressure cooker from heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
- Use tongs to carefully lift the metal bowl containing the cooked oats out of the pressure cooker.
- Spoon the cooked oats into bowls and season them as you would with regular oatmeal. You can add your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, nuts, honey, or maple syrup, to make your oatmeal even more delightful.
TIPS:
Here are some tips to make the most out of your pressure cooker steel-cut oats:
- Toast the Oats: Toasting the steel-cut oats before cooking adds a rich, nutty flavor to your oatmeal. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C), spread the oats on a baking sheet, and toast them for about 20 minutes. You can do this in advance and store the toasted oats in an airtight container for quicker morning preparations.
- Choose Your Preferred Texture: Adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired oatmeal texture. Five minutes under pressure results in chewy oats, while eight minutes will give you creamier oats.
- Use a Metal Bowl: To make it easier to remove the oats from the pressure cooker and prevent sticking, cook them in a metal bowl that fits inside your pressure cooker and can rest on the rack.
- Add Toppings: Steel-cut oats provide a blank canvas for your favorite toppings. Consider adding fresh or dried fruit, nuts, seeds, honey, maple syrup, yogurt, or a dollop of peanut butter to customize your oatmeal.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget to season your oatmeal. A pinch of salt, a dash of cinnamon, or a sprinkle of brown sugar can enhance the flavor. Experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite combination.
- Prep the Night Before: To save time in the morning, prepare the steel-cut oats, butter, and seasonings in the metal bowl the night before. Store the bowl in the refrigerator, so all you need to do in the morning is place it in the pressure cooker and start cooking.
Toasting the steel-cut oats before cooking not only enhances their flavor but also reduces their cooking time. This method ensures that you get the perfect bowl of oatmeal every time you use your pressure cooker.
Enjoy your nutritious and delicious steel-cut oatmeal for a satisfying breakfast!
