Steel Cut Oatmeal Ready to Eat in 5 Minutes When You Make it This Way
A few days ago I was organizing my pantry and I found a can of Steel Cut Oats that I purchased almost a year ago. I thought I better use this or it will be going into the trash. I’m not sure really why I bought it because I don’t like oatmeal. I don’t hate it but it’s not something I crave.
When I looked on the can I saw that it took around 30 minutes to cook. Sure, I’m going to get up in the morning before work and cook something I don’t really like for 30 minutes (not going to happen). Then, I noticed on the can a variation on the cooking method. It said to boil water, add oats, and then simmer for a few minutes. After simmering put the pan in the refrigerator overnight and cook for a shorter time in the morning.
I’ve seen pictures of oatmeal in jars around the net but never paid much attention. I thought, I’ll make the oatmeal per instruction on the can and put it in jars and see how it works. Seemed much nicer than putting the whole pan in the refrigerator.
Here is how I made my oats in a jar.
Oatmeal in a jar
Ingredients:
1 cup steel cut oats
4 cups water
pinch of salt
Directions:
Wash 4 pint size mason jars
Add 4 cups of water to a pan and bring to a boil.
When the water is boiling add 1 cup of Steel Cut Oats
Simmer the oats for 4-5 minutes
This is what it looks like when you take it off the stove
Ladle the hot oats into clean jars
Put the lids on and let them sit on the counter until they cool. I left mine on the counter for an hour. Easy Peazy!
When the jars are cool pop them into the refrigerator and forget about them
When you are ready for some warm hearty oatmeal grab a jar from the refrigerator.
This is what it looks like right out of the refrigerator.
Microwave for 5 Minutes
Take the metal lids off and cover with a paper towel or wax paper, then microwave for 5 minutes. Make sure to stir the oatmeal around the 2 minute mark to keep the oatmeal from frothing out the top of the jar. You may have to stir a few times, at least I did.
Gather Your Favorite Oatmeal Toppings
I used Maple Syrup, chopped pecans, half & half, raspberries, and my husband added raisins.
You can eat it right out of the jar or put it into bowls. I vote for the jar; who wants to wash another dish.
The oatmeal tasted really good. It was kind of nutty tasting, maybe that is because I added a few nuts. I think I prefer the flavor of brown sugar over maple syrup, plus it’s easier to take to work. My husband loved it and said it was something I should make again. Thankfully I have 3 more jars in the refrigerator. Having it ready to pop into the microwave is a big bonus in my book.
One jar was plenty for both my husband and myself; it’s very filling.
This would be a great thing to have on hand for overnight guests during the holiday season or anytime. Each person can make their own oatmeal when they want. Much better than the packet of instant stuff.
Have you ever made oatmeal like this before? Share your experience and thoughts. What are your favorite additions to oatmeal? I’m thinking dried cherries or cranberries would be great this time of year.