Steel Cut Oats Are Trending
Steel-cut oats are trending! According to fitness and nutrition app MyFitnessPal, members are eating steel-cut oats more than ever — tracking of the breakfast food is up 18.5 percent over last year. With a high fiber content, oatmeal can help prevent spikes in blood sugar, making it a great option for breakfast. But what about regular old rolled oats? They’re still good for you too! Steel-cut oats might be more satisfying, however, thanks to that high fiber content, which keeps you fuller longer and lets you eat a smaller portion and still feel satisfied. Additional data from MyFitnessPal shows that the average user breakfast of 265 calories contains about 14 grams of sugar, or 56 calories of sugar, which means that about 21 percent of people’s breakfast calories are coming from sugar. The World Health Organization recommends that less than 10 percent of total calorie intake be from added sugar. At just 2 grams of sugar per ½ cup, this makes steel-cut oats a great choice for your morning meal, instead of sugary cereal or instant oatmeal packs. Plus, this versatile grain is also great when you give it a savory spin by using it for risotto.
Chai-Spiced Oats with Apricots and Pistachios
Make this dairy-free breakfast porridge when you need a change from the usual oatmeal routine. Coconut milk adds a welcome richness to the steel-cut oats, and the saffron and vanilla bean contribute an exotic twist. Sweetened by apricots and a touch of honey, this is a decadent morning meal.
Whole-Grain Breakfast Porridge
Your rice cooker does all the work for this grain-filled breakfast that includes not only oats but also red rice, barley and farina.
Slow-Cooker Whole-Grain Breakfast
Combine steel-cut oats with dehulled, or hull-less, barley. It’ll take longer to cook than pearled barley, so put your slow cooker to work.
See More: Healthy Carbs You Should Be Eating
Corn-and-Oat Risotto
Oats don’t always have to be sweet; they’re great in savory dishes as well. Risotto, a comforting Italian dish usually made with Arborio rice, can also be made with steel-cut oats for a homey and heart-healthy version. Try it for dinner with grilled shrimp or blackened catfish.
See More: 5 Healthy Breakfast Bowls
Shrimp with Whole Grain Corn-Oat Risotto
If shrimp and grits is your kind of comfort food, then this whole-grain version is right up your alley. Use steel-cut oats instead of Arborio rice and follow the classic technique of adding hot stock in batches. Constant stirring helps coax the starch out of the oats for creaminess.
By Cameron Curtis
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