RAVE
If you had to pick out the single “healthiest” item you can buy at Trader Joe’s, what would you pick?
Here’s an item I might choose: Trader Joe’s STEEL CUT ORGANIC OATS. “Ingredients: Organic Steel Cut Oats” That’s it. Simple. Whole grain. Classic. Super food. Minimally processed (less than rolled oats).
These are different than “oatmeal” cooked from rolled oats. Steel Cut Oats cook up to a distinctively chewy texture with a nutty flavor, hearty flavor. Yes, they take a bit more time but not much. These take a bit longer to cook than rolled oats. However it’s worth that extra 10 minutes for the better texture and nutty taste steel cut oats have.
Steel cut oats are a natural food that has minimal processing.
Steel cut oats are whole grains of oats, dried and cut with very sharp steel blades into smaller pieces. This makes them cook a little faster (25 mins) than if they were left whole. To make rolled oats, they partially cook the grains, then press them between steel rollers to flatten them. Doing this makes them cook quicker (15 mins) So called “quick oats” are rolled even thinner (I don’t bother with those)
As far as oatmeal goes, steel cut oats are my favorite. They have a lovely chewy texture and a lovely nutty flavor (which you can increase even more with some toasting them before cooking in your pot before you cook them).
Steel Cut Oats take a bit longer to cook than rolled oats but I think the effort is worth it, as they taste better. These take about 25-30 minutes. To save time, in the morning do what I do. I generally make a batch the night before so they are all ready in the morning.
I usually will make a big enough batch to last us about 3 or 4 days. I do like rolled oats however steel cut oats have better texture (chewy) and taste (nutty).
You can even double the recipe (8 c water / 2 c oats) and even freeze some.
How to cook STEEL CUT OATS:
The basic ratio is 1:4 1 cup oats to 4 cups water. Use a pot big enough so that there is a few inches at the top to avoid boil overs. Be sure to use a nice big heavy pot with a thick bottom to avoid burning.
Boil 4 cups of water. Then stir in 1 cup of oats. I suggest adding a pinch of salt (optional but it tastes better)
They start to thicken after about 5 minutes. They need 30 minutes total. When the oats start to boil, lower the heat till they are just simmering. I then cover the pot loosely (watch it, as oats can easily boil over and make a mess of your stove). Or just leave it uncovered, adding a little water if it looks too thick. If you cook it and find it’s too thick or the bottom is burning, just add a little more water. As it cools, it will thicken.
STIRRING: Every 5-8 minutes or so you should stir the oats occasionally to make sure the bottom doesn’t stick or burn. If you feel oats stuck on the bottom, just scrape the bottom to loosen them with the (wooden) spoon.
Let them cook slowly for about 25-30 minutes total.
ADDITIONS: The list of stuff you can add is almost endless. We like to add a good sprinkle of cinnamon as they are cooking. Apples: to a batch (1 cup oats) we dice up a whole apple and throw that in too and let it cook in the oats. I leave the peel on. My wife removes the peel (peel has flavor) Dried fruits: Add, Raisins. Dried cranberries. Most any dried fruit. I add those at the very end so they don’t over cook.
To Serve: again, optional additions are endless – A little butter or cream, brown sugar, raisins, bananas, frozen blueberries or other fruit. Whatever strikes your fancy. You can change them up easily so you can make it different every time. Sure some of that stuff makes them a bit less healthy but I feel I balance it all out. If you are a purist, just eat them plain (boring)
https://cookieandkate.com/perfect-steel-cut-oats-recipe/
By the way, as the author mentions here, if you order them at a restaurant or diner, especially in New York, the price for a bowl of steel cut oats can be outrageous! ($11-13? No thanks, we will make them ourselves for 50 cents!)
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/steel-cut-oats-benefits
Lets ask Google: “Are oats healthy?” (Search results)
“Oats are considered an exceptionally healthy, nutrient-dense whole grain, packed with fiber (especially beta-glucan), protein, vitamins, and minerals. Regular consumption supports heart health by reducing cholesterol, aids in weight management by promoting fullness, and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
Key Health Benefits of Oats:
Nutrient-Dense: Rich in magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and antioxidants. There’s a reason horses are fed oats. Frankly these are practically the same as oats horses eat, the real difference being the grains here have been cut smaller. STEEL CUT as the name implies has the oats cut with steel blades, with a grain cut into about 2 or 3 pieces just to make it cook faster. That’s it. Minimally processed.
Heart Health: The soluble fiber beta-glucan helps lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
Blood Sugar Control: Oats have a lower glycemic response, which helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels.
Weight Management: High fiber and protein content contribute to satiety (feeling full), reducing overall calorie intake.
Gut Health: They act as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract.
OK – what else is on your Healthy item list from Trader Joe’s? Here’s a few off the top of my head… CHIA SEEDS, KEFIR, HIGH FIBER CEREAL, WHOLE GRAIN SEED EURO BREAD, ROLLED OATS….
Trader Joe’s Organic Oatmeal $4.49 (30 oz tub) CERTIFIED ORGANIC
“Serving Suggestions: serve with milk, cream or butter. Add honey, agave or maple syrup, brown sugar, dried cranberries, raisins….”
PS – I still buy Rolled Oats too as they are good for making Overnight Oats, Oatmeal Cookies, and other things… So I have both kinds of oats in the cupboard usually.
Trader Joe’s Rants & Raves (mostly raves, a few rants) 
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