Nutritious, satisfying steel-cut oats are a phenomenal way to start the day. Sweet add-ins like cranberries and figs make these Irish oats better still, and making them overnight in the crockpot is best of all.
1 cup steel cut oats
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup dried figs
4 cups water
1/2 cup half-and-half or milk
Grease the inside of the crock pot.
Combine the oats, cranberries, figs, water, and half-and-half in the crock pot. Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or overnight (may need to use the "warm" setting for overnight cooking).
Stir the oatmeal and divide between individual serving bowls. Add additional toppings as desired.
For a creamier texture, stir the oatmeal halfway through cooking.
Try different dried fruits or nuts.
Top with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup when serving.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor.
For a sweeter flavor, add a little brown sugar or agave nectar before serving.
Adjust the thickness of the oatmeal by adding more liquid as needed.
Steel-cut oats are whole oat groats that have been chopped into pieces using steel blades, resulting in a chewy texture and nutty flavor.
You can use rolled oats, but the texture and cooking time will be different. Steel-cut oats are recommended for this recipe for their chewy texture and their ability to hold up to the longer cooking time.
If you add fresh fruit, do so towards the end of the cooking time, just so it heats through.
Reheat leftover oatmeal in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to refresh its texture.
You can freeze cooked oatmeal in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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reviews & comments
You can use the crock pot as a double boiler, place a bowl with the oatmeal recipe into the crock post and fill crock half way with water, use foil over the bowl or corning ware dish then place the crock pot lid in place. Cook 8 to 9 hrs on low.
December 10, 2008
I recommend that you spray the slow cooker with Pam® or similar product to make the clean up easier. This is the only way my husband will eat steel cut oats.