#glutenfree | Trader Joe’s Rants & Raves (mostly raves, a few rants)

If you had to pick out the single “healthiest” item you could buy at Trader Joe’s, what would you pick?

Here’s one item I might suggest: TJ’s ORGANIC STEEL CUT OATS.

Whole grain. Classic. Super food. Healthy? No doubt about it.

The only ingredient is (organic) steel cut oats

Steel cut oats are a very natural food product that has minimal processing. They have even less processing than rolled oats which have been partially cooked and are then pressed between steel rollers (rolled) to flatten them, in order to make them cook quicker. Steel Cut Oats are simply cut (steel cut) a bit to make them cook a little faster. They take a bit longer to cook than rolled oats but worth the time and effort is well worth it for better taste and texture in my opinion. As far as oatmeal goes, steel cut oats are my favorite type of oatmeal. They have a lovely chewy texture and a nice nutty flavor (which you can increase even more with some toasting).

I love steel cut oats for breakfast. Yes, they do 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 – a nice big pot of them so they are all ready in the morning. I usually will make a big enough batch to last us about 3 or 4 days.

How to cook STEEL CUT OATS: The basic ratio is 1:4. 1 cup of oats to 4 cups of water. Use a nice heave pot with a thick bottom. Boil 4 cups of water. Add a pinch of salt (optional but it tastes better) Stir in your 1 cup of oats, and when they start to boil, lower the heat till they are just simmering. I cover the pot loosely. Stir the oats occasionally, about every 5-10 minutes or so, with a wooden spoon to make sure the bottom doesn’t stick or burn. Let them cook for about 25-30 minutes.

We like to add a good sprinkle of cinnamon when we are cooking oats. Many times we will dice up an apple and throw that in too and let them cook in the oats. Dried fruits: Raisins. Dried cranberries can all be great additions too. Dried fruits I add at the very end so they don’t over cook.

To Serve: optional additions are many: A little butter or cream, brown sugar, raisins, frozen blueberries or other fruit. Whatever strikes your fancy. You can change them up easily so you can make it different every time.Obviously 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.

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 them can be outrageous! ($11-13? No thanks, we will make them ourselves for 50 cents!)

https://cookieandkate.com/perfect-steel-cut-oats-recipe/

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….