Steel Cut Oats Overnight

Steel cut oats are delicious and have a wonderful chewy texture. Their whole-grain goodness can’t be denied. Unfortunately, they take close to an hour to cook, which isn’t really an option on a busy workday morning. The great news is that steel cut oats make a great option for your slow cooker. Take your favorite recipe, pop the ingredients in a slow cooker, add a little extra water, and leave it overnight so you can wake up to a luxuriously creamy, chewy oatmeal that’s ready to enjoy. If you need a little inspiration, give this 3 Guiding Stars-earning Pumpkin Irish Oatmeal a try.

steel cut oats
Steel Cut Oats / Stacey Spensley / CC BY 2.0

Pumpkin Irish Oatmeal

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Calling all lovers of pumpkin and oatmeal: this recipe is for you. Gorgeous pumpkin bakes down into a spiced, nutrient-rich glaze that pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor of toasted oats.

Servings: 4 (409 g )

Prep Time: 10 min.

Cook Time: 45 min.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. canola oil, divided
  • 1½ cups steel cut oats
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 Tbsp. date puree
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. ginger
  • ½ tsp. cloves
  • ¼ tsp. nutmeg
  • 2 cups skim milk
  • 2½ cups warm water
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • ⅛ tsp. salt

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat in an oven-proof lidded pan. Stir in the oats and fry them, stirring frequently until they smell toasted.
  3. Push the oats to the side and add remaining oil. Add in the pumpkin. Fry it in the oil, only stirring after about a minute.
  4. Stir in the date puree and spices and continue frying the puree until the color darkens slightly and the raw smell disappears.
  5. Pour in the milk and whisk everything to combine.
  6. Whisk in the water, vanilla and salt. Place a lid on the pan and put it in the oven. Bake for 35 minutes.
  7. Stir and allow oatmeal to sit for a few minutes to thicken and cool before serving.