Mornings can be such a scramble so I started makin’ these steel cut oats in my Instant Pot. They’re super hearty and got a nice nutty taste. Steel cut oats ain’t like rolled or instant ones that get all mushy – they’re just chopped oat groats, almost no process, so they keep lots of their good stuff. On the stove you’d gotta simmer and stir for like 30 to 45 mins or they’ll burn, but in the Instant Pot it’s only about 10 mins and you can go do other stuff while it cooks.
Mixing apples and cinammon is real good – apples bring a sweet juiciness and cinammon adds a warm, cozy spice. This vegan reciepe not only tastes great, it’s also packed with fiber, protein and vitamins that help your stomach and heart and give ya steady energy all day. So give Instant Pot Vegan Steel Cut Oats with Apple and Cinnamon a try for an easy, tasty breakfast that’ll keep you goin’.
What Are Steel-Cut Oats?
Steel cut oats, sometimes called Irish oats or pinhead oats, are whole grain oats that they just chop up with steel blades. They got a coarser texture than rolled or quick oats so they keep more natural nutrients. Their chewy bite makes breakfast feel more filling, and you can add whatever you like on top.
Nutritionally, steel cut oats have more fiber and protein than the more processed oats. One serving have about 5 grams of protein and 4 gram of dietary fiber, which is pretty good. They also got minerals like manganese, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. Their low glycemic index means they can help keep your blood sugar from spiking and you’ll stay full longer.
All these good points make steel cut oats perfect for this reciepe. When you cook them in the Instant Pot they turn creamy but still keep a little chew, and the apples with cinnamon takes the flavor up a notch.
Why Use an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot has totally changed how people cook grains like steel cut oats. Its quick and simple. On the stove you gotta watch and stir or it sticks and burns. But with an Instant Pot you dump everything in, set the timer, and walk away.
Cooking steel cut oats on high pressure in the Instant Pot takes about 10 minutes, instead of the 30–45 minutes on a stovetop. This fast cooking not only saves time but it makes the oats extra creamy ‘cause they soak up steam better.
Plus you don’t need to stand there staring at the pot. You can get dressed, pack your bag, or check your phone while it works. Less time cooking, more time doing other morning stuff.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Vegan Steel-Cut Oats with Apple and Cinnamon
To make these oats you’ll need:
- Steel-cut oats: The main star, giving you a chewy bite and lots of nutrients.
- Apples: Try Granny Smith for tart or Fuji (or Fugi if you like) for sweet bites.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinammon is easiest, or use a cinnamon stick for stronger flavor.
- Plant-based milk: Oat milk, almond milk, or any non-dairy milk you like.
- Sweeteners: Maple syrup or agave for natural sweetness.
- Optional topings: Nuts, seeds, extra cinammon, or fresh fruit.
Picking fresh, high-quality ingredients really ups the taste. If you can, go organic on apples to cut down on pesticides.
Directions for Making Instant Pot Vegan Steel-Cut Oats
- Prep the apples: Wash and chop apples into small cubes. Gather all ingredients.
- Load the Instant Pot: Add steel-cut oats, apples, cinammon, and plant-based milk. Give it a stir.
- Cook & release: Close lid and set to high pressure for 10 mins. When it’s done, let pressure release naturally for 10 mins, then quick release any leftover.
- Finish up: Carefully open lid, stir oats, then add sweetener if you want. Scoop into bowls and add any topings you like.
If you like it creamier add a bit more milk, or use less milk for a thicker oatmeal. Find what you like best!
Serving Suggestions
- Topping Ideas: Drizzle nut butter, toss dried fruits, or add fresh berries for a pop of color.
- Perfect Pairings: Sip a smoothie or hot herbal tea alongside your oats for a balanced breakfast.
Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk for a quick grab-and-go breakfast.
Health Benefits of Instant Pot Vegan Steel-Cut Oats
- Nutritional Facts: Each serving packs around 5g protein and 4g fiber, great for a balanced meal.
- Vegan Perks: A plant-based meal like this can help lower cholesterol, boost heart health, and manage weight.
- Apple & Cinnamon Combo: Apples add antioxidants and fiber for digestion, while cinammon fights inflammation and helps control blood sugar.
Popular Variations of the Recipe
- Flavor Twists: Mix in banana and nutmeg for sweet comfort or a spoon of cacao powder for a choccy vibe.
- Seasonal Swaps: Stir in pumpkin puree and spices in fall or fresh berries in summer for a fruity treat.
- Allergy Swaps: Pick certified gluten-free steel cut oats if you need gluten-free, or try quinoa for a change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do you cook steel-cut oats in an Instant Pot?
About 10 mins on high pressure, then 10 mins natural release for best texture.
Can I use rolled oats instead of steel-cut?
Rolled oats cook faster, around 3-5 mins high pressure, and need a different water-to-oat ratio.
Do I need to soak steel-cut oats first?
You don’t have to soak them, but soaking can cut cook time and make them easier to digest.
Which apple is best for this reciepe?
Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great for baking—you get good flavor and they hold shape.
How can I make this less sweet?
Just use less sweetener or skip it and let the apples do the sweet work.
Conclusion
Cooking Instant Pot Vegan Steel Cut Oats with Apple and Cinnamon is a simple way to start your day with a hearty, healthy meal. Play around with flavors and let us know how yours turned out in the comments!
Instant Pot Vegan Steel-Cut Oats with Apple and Cinnamon
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
- 1 Measuring cups
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel-cut oats Rinse before cooking for a creamier texture.
- 2 cups almond milk Can use any plant-based milk.
- 1 large apple Peeled and diced.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar Optional.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup Optional, for serving.
- to taste additional toppings Such as nuts, seeds, or dried fruit (optional).
Instructions
- Start by preparing your ingredients: peel and dice the apple, measure out the oats, and gather the spices.
- Turn on your Instant Pot and set it to 'Sauté' mode. Once hot, add the apple and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add the steel-cut oats, almond milk, brown sugar (if using), ground cinnamon, and salt to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
- Close the lid and set the steam release handle to 'Sealing.' Select 'Pressure Cook' (high pressure) and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- After the cooking time, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. After that, carefully turn the steam release handle to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid, stir the oats gently, and if desired, add maple syrup to sweeten further.
- Serve warm in bowls with your choice of additional toppings, such as nuts, seeds, or dried fruit.
