Irish Oatmeal

Irish oatmeal is a hearty breakfast dish when cooked with water or milk and topped with delicious ingredients.

March is a big month for the Irish. I decided to spend the next ten days focusing on Irish recipes to get you ready for St. Patrick’s Day. Now I know it is a religious holiday, but c’mon, the food and brew is pretty important too! You don’t need to be full on Irish to appreciate and celebrate the green.

History

Irish Oats are a delicious way to begin your day. Irish Oats, or steel cut oats, differ from old fashioned rolled oats and instant oats. First, the outer hull is removed. Then the inner oat groats are cut into 2-3 small pin head size pieces with a steel cut blade. Old fashioned oats and instant oats are processed further.

Oats in general are a nutritious whole grain. Steel cut oats are lower on the glycemic index scale making them slightly healthier than rolled oats. Plus, toasting them before cooking gives them a nice nutty flavor. Cooking oats in water or milk it is called porridge.

The Method of Irish Oatmeal

Besides being healthy, this is a super easy breakfast. It starts with an excellent quality of oats like McCann’s Irish Oats. Their oats grow in a temperate climate with a lot of rain which is ideal for growing oats. According to McCann’s the Irish have been cultivating their oats since the 400’s!

• Stir in 1 cup oats with 4 cups water and a pinch of salt to a saucepan of boiling water.
• Turn the heat down and simmer uncovered until the oats are tender, about 30 minutes.
• Stir occasionally while the oats simmer.
• Top with anything you like and serve.

Cook’s Notes:

This is a great brunch meal: Cook your oats in a slow cooker and then create a toppings bar! Cook on low for 8 hours (overnight) or high for 4 hours.

Toppings: heavy cream, buttermilk, kefir, berries, banana’s, walnuts, pecans, nut butters, seeds, granola, coconut, golden raisins or other dried fruits, maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and chocolate chips.

Try overnight oats! Add oats to a Ball jar and cover with milk or non dairy milk, yogurt, chia seeds and mashed banana. Cover and place in refrigerator overnight . In the morning add toppings with a bit more milk if needed.

Smoothies are another place to add some oats for a healthy boost.

The Essentials:

If you make this recipe and love it, I would love if you come back and let me know!