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Steel-Cut Oats

Steel-cut oats go through a machine that cuts the whole kernels into tiny bits. Sometimes called Scotch or Irish oatmeal, steel-cut oats are chewier and have more texture and flavor than regular rolled oatmeal. They take more time to cook, but steel-cut oatmeal is well worth the wait. McCann’s makes the best steel-cut oats that I know. They’re available in specialty shops and some supermarkets, as well as at www.mccanns.com. To sweeten the steel-cut oats, add brown sugar, sautéed bananas, raisins, applesauce, berries, or whatever other fruit you like.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

2 cups steel-cut oats
3 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a 6-quart saucepan. Stir in the oats and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Cover and allow the oats to stand overnight.

    Step 2

    When ready to serve, stir the milk, salt, butter, and cinnamon into the oats. Stir and cook the oatmeal over medium-low heat until it comes to a boil.

    Step 3

    Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the mixture looks dry, add a little water.

    Step 4

    Remove the pan from the heat. Add the sweetener or topping of your choice and serve.

Bubby's Brunch Cookbook cover.
Bubby’s Brunch Cookbook by Ron Silver and Rosemary Black. Copyright © 2009 by Ron Silver and Rosemary Black. Published by Ballantine Books. All Rights Reserved.
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