Oat groats, the whole and minimally processed form of oats, are a powerhouse of nutrition and an excellent addition to a healthy diet. In this article, I will instruct you on how to cook oat groats in 4 different ways : on the stovetop, in a rice cooker, in a slow cooker, and in an Instant Pot.
1. How To Cook Oat Groats on Stovetop
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat groats
- 3 cups water or milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: nuts, seeds, dried fruits, honey, or maple syrup
Instructions
Rinse the oat groats under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
In a saucepan, combine the rinsed oat groats, water or milk, and a pinch of salt.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and simmer the oat groats for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check the oat groats for doneness. They should be tender with a slight chewy texture.
Once the oat groats reach your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
Serve the creamy and nutty oat groats in bowls, and add your favorite toppings such as nuts, seeds, dried fruits, honey, or maple syrup for added flavor and texture.
2. How To Cook Oat Groats in Rice Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat groats
- 3 cups water or milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional mix-ins: cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a touch of sweetener
Instructions
Rinse the oat groats under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
Place the rinsed oat groats, water or milk, and a pinch of salt into the rice cooker.
If desired, add some optional mix-ins such as cinnamon, vanilla extract, or a touch of sweetener for extra flavor.
Close the rice cooker and select the “cook” or “porridge” setting, depending on your rice cooker model.
Allow the oat groats to cook until the rice cooker automatically switches off.
Once the cooking process is complete, fluff the oat groats with a fork and let them sit for a few minutes to achieve a creamy texture.
Serve the effortless oat groats in bowls, and customize each serving with your preferred toppings or additional sweetener, if desired.
3. How To Cook Oat Groats in Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat groats
- 4 cups water or milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Toppings: fresh fruits, nuts, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Instructions
Rinse the oat groats under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
In a slow cooker, combine the rinsed oat groats, water or milk, and a pinch of salt.
If desired, add vanilla extract for a touch of flavor.
Set the slow cooker to low heat and let the oat groats cook overnight for about 6-8 hours.
In the morning, the oat groats should be tender and creamy.
Serve the overnight oat groats in bowls, and top each serving with fresh fruits, nuts, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a delightful breakfast treat.
4. How To Cook Oat Groats in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup oat groats
- 3 cups water or milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional add-ins: a knob of butter or a splash of milk
Instructions
Rinse the oat groats under cold water to remove any dust or debris.
In the Instant Pot, combine the rinsed oat groats, water or milk, and a pinch of salt.
If desired, add a knob of butter or a splash of milk to enrich the flavor and creaminess.
Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and cook the oat groats at high pressure for about 10-12 minutes.
Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 5 minutes before switching the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
Open the Instant Pot lid and fluff the oat groats with a fork.
Serve the speedy oat groats in bowls, and customize each serving with your preferred toppings or additional sweetener, if desired.
Cooking oat groats is a delightful way to enjoy the hearty and nutty flavors of whole oats while benefiting from their impressive nutritional profile. So, the next time you reach for oats, consider using oat groats and trying one of these delightful recipes.
