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Close-up of a textured oatmeal base sprinkled with cinnamon and sliced almonds.

Steel Cut Oatmeal

A hearty and wholesome breakfast made with steel cut oats, toasted pecans, cinnamon, banana, and brown sugar. This warm, creamy bowl is comforting and packed with flavor.
Servings

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup toasted pecans chopped
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 cup steel cut oats
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 ripe bananas sliced

Instructions
 

Toast the Pecans:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Evenly spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes, shaking the pan once during baking to ensure even toasting. Remove and allow to cool completely.

Simmer the Liquids:

  1. In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, bring the water and whole milk to a gentle simmer.

Toast the Oats:

  1. In a separate, large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam. Add the steel cut oats and stir frequently for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, or until the oats are lightly golden and aromatic.

Combine and Cook:

  1. Carefully pour the hot milk mixture into the pan with the oats. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer, uncovered, for approximately 20 minutes. Do not stir during this phase; the oatmeal should resemble a thick gravy-like texture as it cooks.

Season and Simmer:

  1. Stir in the salt and vanilla extract. Continue simmering for an additional 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oatmeal becomes thick and creamy, and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Rest and Serve:

  1. Remove the pan from heat and allow the oatmeal to rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the oatmeal into serving bowls and top each portion with 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of chopped pecans, and half of a sliced banana. Serve warm.

Notes

To prepare this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the steel cut oats are certified gluten-free, as cross-contamination can occur during processing. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but as always, double-check labels on packaged items such as vanilla extract or brown sugar if needed.
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