Also Known as
Irish or Scottish oats, pinhead oats, coarse oatmeal

What is steel cut oats, coarse oatmeal?

Steel Cut Oats comes from Oat groats that are cut by steel blades instead of being rolled. This process help them stay dense and gives a chewy texture when cooked as compared to processed oats which are consumed by the masses. These are whole oats which have more protein and fiber in them and its worth taking the extra time to cook Steel Cut oats. These are the closest to the original grains and are more nutritious then rolled and quick oats. Soaking steel-cut oats overnight can reduce the cooking time in the morning.

Soaked and cooked steel cut oats

To soak the steel cut oats, put oats in enough hot water and let them soak for 8 to 10 hours. For cooking, drain the soaked oats, again add clean water, cover with a lid and boil till the oats are cooked or soft while making sure it is stirred occasionally.

How to select steel cut oats, coarse oatmeal

• Steel cut oats are generally available in pre-packaged containers.
• If purchasing steel cut oats in a packaged container, check to see if there is a "use-by" date on the package since Steel Cut Oats , owing to its natural oils, has the potential to become rancid if kept too long.
• Whether purchasing steel cut oats in bulk or in a packaged container, make sure there is no evidence of moisture.

Culinary Uses of steel cut oats, coarse oatmeal

1. It is used to make breakfast bowls. Create combinations by mixing together different fruits and spices. You can even add honey or maple syrup to add sweetness to it. Try these easy to make healthy breakfast options Apple and Banana Steel Cut Oats, Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats.
2. You can even mix them with seasonal fruits like strawberries and make delightful bowls of Steel Cut Oats with Strawberries and Almond Milk, Strawberry Steel Cut Oats with Tea Masala.
3. They add health benefits to breads, cakes and protein shakes.

Nutritional Information of Steel Cut Oats, coarse oatmeal
One cup of uncooked quick Steel Cut Oats is 74 grams.
RDA stands for Recommended Daily Allowance.
Nutritional Information for 1 cup of uncooked steel cut Oats

287 Calories
28 grams of Protein
49 grams of Carbs
5 grams of Fat

20 grams of High Fiber = 80% of RDA (about 25 to 30 grams)

28 g of Protein = 50.9% of RDA ( about 55 g)

281 mg of Phosphorus : 46.8% of RDA (about 600 mg for adult)

130 mg of Magnesium (Mg) = 37.4% of RDA (about 350 mg )

8 g of Iron = 38% of RDA (about 21 mg)

2.9 mg of Zinc = 29% of RDA (about 10 to 12 mg)

37 mcg of Folate, Vitamin B9 = 18.5% of RDA (about 200 mg)

317 mg of Potassium (K) : 6.7% of RDA (about 4,700 mg)

Health benefits of steel cut oats

1. Good for Heart : It is rich in soluble fibre, which helps lower blood LDL cholesterol, the so-called "Bad" cholesterol. Soluble fibre absorbs water and swells and to become gel like substance which helps in the absorption of nutrients like B Vitamins and minerals like Magnesium and Zinc which are key to a good heart. Oats are rich in Beta Glucan, a soluble fibre which dissolves in the digestive track forming a thick gel which binds excess cholesterol within the gut and prevent it from being absorbed in the body.

2. Rich in Antioxidant : Whole Oats have a antioxidant called Avenanthramide (a polyphenol from oats) which helps lower blood pressure levels through nitric oxide which widen the blood vessels resulting in better blood flow and lower blood pressure.

3. High in Soluble Fiber : Barley and Oats are rich in Beta Glucan, a soluble fibre which dissolves in the digestive track forming a thick gel which binds excess cholesterol within the gut and prevent it from being absorbed in the body.

4. Weight Loss : Oats are rich in Beta Glucan, a soluble fibre which dissolves in the small intestine forming a thick gel like substance. This gel slows down the pace at which food moves through our digestive track and keeping you feeling full for a longer time. Even better, it allows more time for nutrient absorption. You will eat less and your body will get better nutrients.

5. Good for Diabetics : Since Steel Cut Oats is high in fibre since Oatmeal takes time to digest resulting in the slow release of blood sugar. Oatmeal is Oats with milk or even a more healthier option is Oats with Almond Milk. try this recipe

6. Oats are Gluten Free : Great for those who are intolerant to wheat.

7. Rich in Phosphorus

8. Good source of Vitamin B1, Thiamine

9. Good source of Magnesium

10. Good source of Zinc

11. Good source of Protein Steel cut oats is an excellent source of Protein and much higher value than regular oats. The protein is complete containing small amounts of all essential amino acids.

12. High in Iron (Fe): Being a whole grain like Barley is, Steel Cut Oats will help in raising your haemoglobin levels.

Glycemic Index of Oats

Steel Cut Oats has a Glycemic Index of 45 which is low but most oats sold in supermarkets are instant oats and have a medium GI. Glycemic Index are for foods you eat, ranks carbohydrate-containing foods by how quickly they digest and raise your blood sugar or glucose levels. Foods rank from 0 to 50 are low GI, 51 to 69 are medium and 70 to 100 are high. Foods that are high in GI are not suitable for weight loss and diabetics. Foods like Steel Cut Oats have a low GI and hence don't spike your glucose level as they are absorbed slowly. Great for weight loss and diabetics. But eat in moderation instant oats sold in supermarkets as they are processed and lots of their health benefits stripped.

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