Since I wrote the article about breakfast cereals in October, I've had a number of people mention their love or hatred of steel-cut oats. While these lightly processed oats are widely considered to be the most nutritious option around, they take approximately FOREVER to cook. However, a reader of the blog recently sent me a link to a page describing a method for preparing steel-cut oats in a much more convenient manner than the traditional "boiling from scratch" arrangement. In addition to steel-cut oats, this recipe also incorporates some pearl barley, which I thought was a interesting and worthy addition. The new and improved procedure:
1. Combine 1/3 cups steel-cut oats, 2 tbsp uncooked pearl barley, and 1 1/4 cups water in a microwavable bowl. Cover it and refrigerate for at least four hours, though an overnight soak will work and might be more convenient for a breakfast application.
2. Microwave on high power for three minutes, stir well, and microwave for another three minutes.
3. You now have ready-to-eat steel-cut oats with only six minutes cooking time! Feel free to add chopped or dried fruits, protein powder, spices, and/or nuts to complete your breakfast.
Remember, when constructing a breakfast with this sort of starchy ingredient, make sure to balance it with a significant portion of protein. Whether it comes from meat, dairy, eggs, or other sources, make sure it's there. Don't rely on a carbohydrate-heavy breakfast to keep you going. Just because something is "healthy" or "organic" doesn't mean that it's all you need for optimal nutrition. Balance is key!
The original source article can be found here.
1. Combine 1/3 cups steel-cut oats, 2 tbsp uncooked pearl barley, and 1 1/4 cups water in a microwavable bowl. Cover it and refrigerate for at least four hours, though an overnight soak will work and might be more convenient for a breakfast application.
2. Microwave on high power for three minutes, stir well, and microwave for another three minutes.
3. You now have ready-to-eat steel-cut oats with only six minutes cooking time! Feel free to add chopped or dried fruits, protein powder, spices, and/or nuts to complete your breakfast.
Remember, when constructing a breakfast with this sort of starchy ingredient, make sure to balance it with a significant portion of protein. Whether it comes from meat, dairy, eggs, or other sources, make sure it's there. Don't rely on a carbohydrate-heavy breakfast to keep you going. Just because something is "healthy" or "organic" doesn't mean that it's all you need for optimal nutrition. Balance is key!
The original source article can be found here.
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