Overnight Steel-Cut Oats

Ingredients

• 1 cup steel-cut oats
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based), plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 banana, sliced, for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, for serving
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins, for serving

Nutrition (estimated per serving)

Method

1. The night before you want to eat, place the 1 cup steel-cut oats, 4 cups water, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan (do not turn on the heat yet).
2. Give it a stir, then cover the pot with a lid and leave it on the counter (not the stovetop burner if it is on) overnight, for at least 8 hours; this soaking step is what allows the tough steel-cut oats to cook quickly and creamily in the morning.
3. In the morning, place the covered pot of soaked oats onto the stove over medium heat, about a 5 out of 10 dial setting, and bring it to a gentle simmer, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes; you will see small bubbles breaking the surface.
4. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low (about a 2 out of 10) and remove the lid. Stir with a wooden spoon every few minutes to prevent sticking or scorching on the bottom.
5. Continue cooking uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and turned thick and creamy but the individual grains still have a slight chew; if it looks too thick, stir in a splash of extra water or milk.
6. Stir in the 1 cup milk, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through and creamy.
7. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
8. Taste the oats and adjust sweetness, adding a touch more brown sugar or maple syrup if you like it sweeter.
9. Ladle into 4 bowls.
10. Top each bowl with sliced banana, a scattering of the 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, and the 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins.
11. Serve immediately with an extra splash of milk poured over the top if desired; leftover oats keep in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 5 days and reheat well with a splash of milk stirred in.

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