Re-Discovering Oats

The other day I had a really fun day...with oats!  I knew they were healthy, but hadn't fully grasped just how healthy they really are for you.  These grains are apparently beneficial for a whole slew of health issues: lowering cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, reducing risk of cardiovascular disease, enhancing the immune system, etc.     If you are a looking for a gluten free option, then oats are a contender. 

I had never really been a fan of traditional oatmeal, or porridge as it may be referred to by some; however, that all changed.  I made the simplest, straight up recipe I could find - oats, milk and a dash of salt, cooked over medium heat and simmered until desired consistency achieved - and then added a little vanilla extract at the end to add another little dimension.  I took mine with toasted sliced almonds and pure maple syrup and made the other with Demererra sugar.  Honestly, we were both completely surprised by how good the stuff was! 

It just so happened to be a winter stormy day, so perhaps that added to the enjoyment of eating a nice bowl of piping hot oatmeal!   

Ok - so here is a quick run-down of what I gleaned from my reading:

 

1.       There are different types of oats:

a.       Oat Groats - no processing (other than removing the hull)

b.      Steel Cut Oats - essentially oat groats that have been sliced into several pieces

c.       Rolled Oats (Old Fashioned, Large) - steamed, rolled and flattened

d.      Quick & Instant Oats - further processed, typically with sugar added

e.      Flour - made by grinding the oats in a food processor

2.       The more processed the oats, the less nutritional value they have.  So the oats with the most nutritional value are (in order of most to least):

a.       Oat Groats & Steel Cut Oats

b.      Rolled Oats

c.       Quick & Instant Oats

3.       Oats can be used in so many different ways, here are just a few  to give you an idea:

a.       Traditional oatmeal.

b.      Use in bread products.

c.       Add to cookies.

d.      Add to morning smoothies for additional fiber and thickness.

e.      Use leftover oatmeal to thicken stews.

f.        Add to pancake batter.

 The two types of oats that I have tried thus far are (1) rolled oats and (2) steel cut oats.  The steel cut are much more chewy and substantial in texture compared to the rolled oats, but both are really good.  I haven’t tried the Oat Groats; however, since they are essentially the same thing as Steel Cut Oats, I figure I’ll stay with the steel cut since they take significantly less time to cook.

 

Cooking Instructions:

Serves 2

 Ingredients:

·         ½ Cup Steel Cut or Rolled Oats
·         1 ½ Cups Milk (or water, almond milk, rice milk, etc.)
·         Pinch Salt
·         Vanilla Extract (optional)
 

Steps:

1.       Over medium heat, heat the milk, oats and salt.  Simmer until desired consistency obtained (5 to 10 minutes for Rolled Oats and 20 to 30 minutes for Steel Cut Oats).

2.       Top with your favourite topping.

Topping Suggestions:

• Fresh fruit
• Dried fruit
• Nuts (walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, etc.)
• Maple Syrup
• Honey
• Brown Sugar
• Cinnamon

I cannot tell you how happy I am to have re-discovered oats!!

Enjoy!