Name: Gluten-Free 10-Minute Steel-Cut Oatmeal
Total time: PLACEHOLDER
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 1 cup gluten-free steel-cut oats; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Why This Recipe Works

Oats are a great gluten-free option, and most oatmeal fans agree that the steel-cut style offers the best flavor and texture. However, many balk at the 40-minute cooking time, especially when all you want is a quick breakfast. We decreased the morning-of cooking time to only 10 minutes by stirring our steel-cut oats into boiling water the night before. This allowed the grains to hydrate and soften overnight. In the morning, all we had to do was add more water (fruit juice or milk would also work) and simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes. A brief rest off the heat ensured it had the perfect consistency. Whether eaten plain or with a handful of our favorite toppings, this recipe finally made great oatmeal a weekday option.

Before You Begin

The oatmeal will continue to thicken as it cools; if you prefer a looser consistency, thin the oatmeal with boiling water. Customize your oatmeal with toppings such as brown sugar, toasted nuts, maple syrup, or dried fruit.

Instructions

Bring 3 cups water to boil in large saucepan over high heat. Remove pan from heat; stir in oats and salt. Cover pan and let stand overnight.

Stir remaining 1 cup water into oats and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until oats are softened but still retain some chew and mixture thickens and resembles warm pudding, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Stir and serve, passing desired toppings separately.