Oatmeal 103

     Steel cut oats are the least processed of all the oatmeal products available on the market.  As the name suggests, the toasted unflattened oat groats are chopped by large steel blades and are smaller than the regular old fashioned style oats, about the size of a sesame seed.

     Sometimes called pinhead oats they are also marketed as Irish or Scottish oats and are traditionally used to make porridge and oat cakes.  They take longer to cook, however, typically anywhere from 15-45 minutes.  Described as tasting nuttier and chewier, steel cut oats are full of fiber and it is claimed that they naturally boost the immune system.

 

    Incidentally, this style of oats are favored by "preppers," survivalists who keep large supplies of food and water on hand in bunkers.  Unopened, packaged steel cut oats have a 10-15 year shelf life.

Directions for cooking steel cut oats:

Stovetop

Bring 1 cup of water (or nonfat or low-fat milk) and a pinch of salt (if desired) to a boil in a small saucepan.  Stir in 1/4 cup oats and reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats are the desired texture, 20 to 30 minutes.



Not recommended for use in microwave.