Steel Cut Oat Breakfast Bowls

by Melody Thacker, in Health, Recipes (No Comments)

Steel cut oat breakfast bowls are a healthy and delicious breakfast that looks as great as it tastes! The nice thing about these Instant Pot steel cut oats is cooking them is a breeze, you can pretty much set it and forget it. We love having a hot bowl of steel cut oats in the morning and there are so many ways you can eat them so we never get bored. Breakfast oat bowls topped with fresh berries and yogurt is just option, check the tips below. There’s a printable version at the bottom of the page. 

Whole grains such as oats can do a lot for us. Our Grandparents said oats stick to your ribs, they weren’t wrong. A bowl of oats for breakfast can reduce cravings and mid-morning tummy growls. When you add oats as a part of a healthy diet, you win on all counts. If you aren’t sold on eating oats keep reading to learn why they’re so good for you.

 

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oat Breakfast Bowls

Ingredients:

• Watkins non-stick cooking spray
• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 3¼ cups water
• 1 teaspoon Watkins baking vanilla
• 2 cup Greek or coconut yogurt
• 1½ tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon real maple syrup, plus additional for serving
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup fresh blueberries, rinsed and patted dry

Directions:

1. Spray the Instant Pot inner cooking pot with non-stick cooking spray.
   
2. Add steel cut oats, vanilla extract, and water and stir to combine. Cover with lid and lock into position, then flip the pressure valve to the “Sealing” position.
   
3. Press the “Manual” button and select the high heat setting. Set cook time to 10 minutes. After a brief pause, the Instant Pot will automatically start building pressure.
   
4. While the oats cook, combine yogurt, chia seeds, and maple syrup in a small bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
   
5. When cooking time is complete, turn off the Instant Pot to prevent scorching. Allow pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, and then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
   
6. Carefully remove the lid and stir the contents to combine. Transfer the cooked oats to individual serving bowls. Heap the oats a little higher on one side of the bowl and spoon the yogurt mixture onto the other half.
   
7. Arrange the strawberries and blueberries between the two halves for a nice presentation. Serve immediately with additional maple syrup on the side, if desired. Enjoy!

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oat Breakfast Bowls Tips:

To save time in the morning, prepare the yogurt mixture the night before and use blueberries and raspberries to reduce preparation time.

You aren’t limited to using the berries shown. Use blackberries, halved cherries, sliced banana or kiwi, diced peaches, pears, mango.   

For added protein and flavor add a teaspoon of peanut or almond butter.

I like adding vanilla because it adds a hint of sweetness without sugar. Substitute a different flavor or extract that pairs well with your toppings.

My husband can’t eat his oats without an added sweetener, he uses brown sugar or organic sugar.

If you aren’t a fan of yogurt you can top your oats with the traditional milk or cream.

Since there’s only two of us and this makes 4 servings I reheat the oats the next day. Microwave each serving for about 1 minute before adding the toppings. Or reheat in a heatproof container using the pot-in-pot method in the Instant Pot for a few minutes.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes + time to come to pressure
Serves: 4

Why Eat Oats?

Steel cut oats is a hot cereal that can be instrumental in lowering your cholesterol and enhancing your diet.

Steel cut oats contain all the parts of the grain, which makes them more beneficial. For the oat, one of its major components is fiber. Fiber is a powerhouse substance and oats are full of it.

Fiber comes in two forms – soluble and insoluble. Insoluble fiber is spongy and passes through the digestive system rather readily. But, it doesn’t pass alone. It takes along with it some cholesterol and a measure of fat so that it never gets stored in your system.

Soluble fiber is used by the body to remove bad cholesterol, while not affecting levels of good cholesterol. As the fiber breaks down, it forms a gel. This gel captures many substances in the intestines and passes them out of your system.

Are you prone to cravings and sugar rushes? One way to keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day is with steel cut oats and other whole grains. When the meal breaks down, it again forms a gel. This gel passes into the intestines. It is harder than other substances to digest so it takes time to pass. In the meantime, you experience steady energy as it is broken down. That leads to a feeling of fullness longer so you don’t have to concentrate on food. You can feel your focus all day without feeling lightheaded or hungry.

When you feel full, you are less likely to eat. This is a bonus if you’re trying to lose weight. You eat less so that the calories you burn are stored fat, which is what you want. At the same time, insulin production is regulated properly reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

How many oats should you eat? Only one cup a day can do the trick to help your body get back on track. For heart health, vascular health, weight control, energy needs, and digestive function, eat oats.