Steel-Cut Oats with Berries and Walnuts
A creamy, satisfying bowl of steel-cut oats cooked with soy milk, topped with fresh berries, crunchy walnuts, and flaxseed. This heart-healthy breakfast is packed with fiber and plant-based goodness to start your day right.
For 2 servings
Cook the steel-cut oats.
Bring 1.5 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in 0.67 cup of steel-cut oats and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until oats are tender and creamy.
TIPFor a creamier texture, stir more frequently during the last 5 minutes of simmering to release more starch.Add milk and cinnamon.
Pour in 1 cup of unsweetened soymilk and stir in 0.5 teaspoon of cinnamon powder into the cooked oats. Continue to simmer uncovered for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the oatmeal reaches your desired creamy consistency.
TIPAdjust the amount of soymilk to achieve your preferred oatmeal consistency; add more if you like it thinner.Assemble your oatmeal bowl.
Carefully spoon the warm, creamy steel-cut oats into two individual serving bowls. Ensure an even distribution for both portions before adding your desired toppings.
- Evenly distribute 0.5 cup fresh blueberries between the two bowls.
- Divide 0.5 cup sliced strawberries equally over the oats.
- Sprinkle 0.25 cup chopped walnuts over the berries.
- Finish each bowl with 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds.
Serve immediately.
Serve the steel-cut oats with berries and walnuts immediately while still warm to enjoy the comforting texture and fresh fruit flavors. A drizzle of maple syrup is optional.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a quicker morning, soak the steel-cut oats in water overnight in the fridge. This can reduce the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes.
- 2This recipe is great for meal prep. Cook a larger batch and store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of soy milk.
- 3Feel free to use any combination of fresh or frozen berries you have on hand.
- 4Toasting the walnuts for a few minutes in a dry pan before topping brings out their nutty flavor.
- 5Ensure you are using ground flaxseed, as whole flaxseeds may pass through the body undigested, preventing you from getting their full benefits.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Stir in a scoop of your favorite unsweetened protein powder along with the milk at the end of cooking for a protein boost.
veganVegan
Use unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of dairy milk to make this recipe fully plant-based.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Arrange the berries in a smiley face pattern on top to make breakfast more fun for kids.
quickQuick
Use quick-cook steel-cut oats, which typically cook in about 5-7 minutes, for a faster breakfast option.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Supports Blood Sugar Control
Steel-cut oats have a low glycemic index, meaning they are digested slowly, causing a gradual rise in blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for managing diabetes.
Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats
Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support cardiovascular health by reducing bad cholesterol and inflammation.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of oats, berries, and walnuts provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and contributing to a feeling of fullness.
Packed with Antioxidants
Blueberries and strawberries are loaded with antioxidants like anthocyanins, which help protect your cells from damage by free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, steel-cut oatmeal is very healthy. It's a whole grain rich in beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber known to help lower cholesterol. It provides sustained energy, is high in fiber, and offers plant-based protein.