Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Basics and Recipe - Plant Based Instant Pot (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between steel-cut oats and instant steel-cut oats? ›

Steel-cut oats have a chewy texture and nutty flavor, while rolled and instant oats are milder with a softer texture. Steel-cut oats are the least processed of the three.

Yes, it is good to eat oatmeal every day considering its nutritional profile and health benefits, including weight control and heart-healthy effect. As a breakfast food and mid-meal snack, oatmeal is potentially a better option than the majority of foods available in the market.

Check on the texture of the oats after 20 minutes and cook an additional 5-10 minutes longer (if needed) to reach the desired texture. The longer they simmer, the softer and creamier they will become – 30 minutes is ideal in our house!

Rolled oats and steel-cut oats are two minimally processed forms of oats. They have similar nutritional values and health benefits. Steel-cut oats may take longer to digest and therefore help a person feel full for longer. They also have a slightly lower impact on blood sugar.

"It's a common misconception that one type of oat is healthier than another," said Rizzo. "They are all actually identical in terms of their nutrition. The difference is how they are rolled and cut." However, Price added that since instant oats are the most processed option, they generally have salt and added sugars.

Less processed varieties of oats such as steel cut oats and old-fashioned oats can better dampen the rise in blood sugars and insulin since the soluble fiber in these foods is more intact compared to more processed varieties.

Including steel cut oats in a balanced diet may encourage weight loss. Oats' fiber may contribute to feelings of fullness, which may in turn lead to reduced calorie intake ( 7 ). Studies in both humans and animals further suggest that oat fiber may help reduce fat accumulation, especially belly fat ( 8 , 9 ).

The general oatmeal serving size is around half a cup of uncooked oats or one cup of cooked oatmeal. A serving of oats provides a variety of important nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Yes, you can safely eat raw oats in all forms (rolled oats, steel cut oats, instant oats). However, there is a possibility that consuming raw, uncooked rolled oats can lead to digestive problems, including bloating, gas, and diarrhea in certain individuals.

Can I use milk instead of water for steel cut oats? ›

I like to do a mix of water and milk to make the steel cut oats extra creamy. The ratio is flexible. I generally use 2 1/2 cups of water and 1 cup of milk. You can use your milk of choice—dairy milk or non-dairy milks like coconut milk or almond milk are great (perfect if you need vegan steel cut oats).

Ratio of Steel-Cut Oats to Water

The basic ratio for making steel-cut oatmeal is 1 cup of oats to 3 to 4 cups of water — I've found that less water keeps the oats more intact and chewy while more water makes a silkier porridge.

Steel-cut oats are less processed and can bring down sugar and cholesterol levels faster, say dieticians.

If you are particularly trying to shed kilos, steel-cut oats are better as they contain a high amount of fiber. The fiber content in it can keep you fuller for a longer time and control cravings for unhealthy food items. Eating fiber-rich food also improves the count of healthy gut bacteria.

Note: You may have seen quick cooking steel cut oats - they are simply cut smaller, so they cook faster. Like rolled oats, these are still good, but may have a lesser effect than the longer cooking steel cut oats. Keep them all on hand, if you like.

What do I do if I want to make a recipe but don't have the type of oats it calls for? If you are making substitutions, remember that quick and rolled/old-fashioned oats use 1/2 cup oats for every 1 cup liquid, and steel cut and quick-cook steel cut use 1/4 cup oats for every 3/4 cup liquid.

Steel-cut oats, also called Irish oatmeal, are the whole oat kernel that has been cut into two or three pieces using steel disks. This type of oats contains the highest amount of fiber, as it is least processed. Steel-cut oats take a little longer to cook, and result in a creamy and chewy porridge.

Steel-cut oats take longer to digest, helping you to stay full longer and causing less of a rise in blood sugar. This low glycemic index, as it is called, is helpful for prediabetes and diabetes as well as active lifestyles.

Instant Oatmeal Also Lowers Cholesterol

If you are looking for the cholesterol-lowering effects, instant oatmeal or quick-cooking oats do the job as well as steel-cut oats or rolled oats. They are still considered to be a whole grain.