Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of cinnamon and maple wafting through your kitchen. This Healthy Maple Cinnamon Instant Pot Oatmeal is a nourishing way to start your day. With an easy overnight oats option, it’s perfect for busy mornings. A warm, hearty breakfast that’s both delicious and wholesome!
Steps
- Place a medium saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add 1 cup of steel cut oats and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to achieve a nutty aroma.
- Pour in 3 cups of boiling water, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook on low for 20 minutes without stirring.
- Mix together 1/2 cup of whole milk and 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Add this mixture to the oats along with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, stirring gently. Continue cooking uncovered for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally but not too much to avoid drying out.
- Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, adjusting to taste. Divide the oatmeal into 4 bowls and top with 1/2 cup of fresh fruit per serving, adding more cinnamon and maple syrup if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup steel cut oats (e.g., Bob’s Red Mill brand, dry and un-rinsed)
- 3 cups boiling water
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, plus additional to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, plus additional to taste
- 2 cups fresh fruit or berries (e.g., sliced peaches and raspberries)
FAQ
- What are steel cut oats and why are they preferred?
- Steel cut oats are whole oat groats that have been chopped into pieces. They are favored for their superior texture, flavor, and nutritional benefits compared to instant oatmeal.
- How long does it take to cook steel cut oats?
- The entire process takes about 35 minutes. This includes the initial toasting of the oats and the subsequent simmering and mixing steps.
- Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative and use your preferred type of fresh fruit or berries as a topping.
- Why should I toast the oats before cooking?
- Toasting the oats for a couple of minutes enhances their nutty flavor, adding depth to the overall taste of the dish.
- How can I prevent my oatmeal from drying out?
- If using a large saucepan, it’s important to keep it covered throughout the cooking process to prevent steam from escaping too quickly, which can lead to the oatmeal drying out.
Tips
- Toast the Oats: Start by toasting the oats in butter for a couple of minutes. This adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the oatmeal.
- Avoid Overstirring: When cooking the oats, stir gently and sparingly. Overstirring can make the oatmeal gummy instead of creamy.
- Use a Dutch Oven: If available, use a Dutch oven to cook the oats. It tends to enhance the flavor and maintain better heat distribution.
- Cover Large Saucepan: If using a large saucepan, keep it covered throughout the cooking process to prevent the oatmeal from drying out due to steam loss.
Equipment
- Dutch Oven – As mentioned, everything tends to taste better when cooked in a dutch oven.
- Medium Saucepan – Essential for toasting the oats and cooking them with the liquids.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Needed for accurately measuring ingredients like oats, milk, buttermilk, salt, maple syrup, and cinnamon.
