Instant Pot Oatmeal: A Quick and Healthy Breakfast Delight

Oatmeal is the unsung hero of breakfast. It’s wholesome, versatile, and a fantastic way to kickstart your day. If you’ve got an Instant Pot, you’re in for a treat because making Instant Pot Oatmeal has never been easier or more convenient. In this blog post, we’ll explore the world of Instant Pot oatmeal and guide you through a simple and delicious recipe.

What is oatmeal breakfast?

Oatmeal breakfast, often referred to simply as “oatmeal,” is a classic and nutritious morning meal made from oat grains. It’s a staple breakfast dish in many cultures and is cherished for its simplicity, versatility, and health benefits.

Oatmeal is typically made by cooking oats with a liquid, most commonly water or milk, and can be prepared in various ways:

Rolled Oats: These oats are steamed and then flattened, making them quick to cook. Rolled oats are a popular choice for making oatmeal.

Steel-Cut Oats: These are whole oat groats that have been chopped into pieces. They take longer to cook but offer a heartier texture and nutty flavor.

Instant Oats: These are pre-cooked and dried oats that cook very quickly, often within a minute or two.

Oatmeal can be customized to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences. It can be sweetened with honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or fruit, and flavored with spices like cinnamon or vanilla. Toppings such as fresh or dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and yogurt can be added for extra flavor and texture.

How to Make Instant Pot Oatmeal

Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe

Recipe by Ethan HarrisCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

3

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

200

kcal

Instant Pot Oatmeal is a completely hands-off method for preparing creamy, perfectly cooked oats.

Ingredients

• 1 cup steel-cut oats (or rolled oats for quicker cooking)

• 3 cups water or milk (or a combination of both)

• 1-2 tablespoons sweetener (such as honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

• A pinch of salt

Directions

• Set Up the Instant Pot:
  Start by turning your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode. If your Instant Pot has adjustable sauté settings, use the low setting to prevent sticking.
• Toast the Oats (Optional):
  While the Instant Pot heats up, you can choose to toast the oats for added flavor. Add the oats to the pot and toast them for a few minutes, stirring frequently. This step enhances the oatmeal’s taste.
• Add Liquid and Sweetener:
  Pour in the water or milk (or a combination of both) and add the sweetener, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
• Pressure Cook:
  Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the vent is sealed. Change the mode to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook,” and set it to low pressure for 3-4 minutes (or follow the recommended time for rolled oats).
• Natural Release:
  After the cooking time is up, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes. This allows the oatmeal to continue cooking and absorb more liquid.
• Serve and Customize:
  Open the Instant Pot lid, and your oatmeal is ready. Serve it hot and customize it with your favorite toppings, such as fresh or dried fruits, nuts, seeds, or an extra drizzle of sweetener.
• Variations:
• Fruity Bliss:
  Add sliced bananas, berries, strawberries, or diced apples during or after cooking for a fruity oatmeal twist.
• Nutty Crunch:
  Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top.
• Cocoa Love:
  Mix in cocoa powder and a touch of chocolate chips for a decadent breakfast treat.

Why Oatmeal?

From a nutritional perspective, oatmeal is a fantastic choice for breakfast. Oats are rich in dietary fiber, providing a feeling of fullness and helping with digestive health. They are also a source of essential vitamins and minerals, notably iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. Additionally, oats contain antioxidants and beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that has been linked to various health benefits, including heart health and blood sugar control.

Nutritional Benefits For Instant Pot Oatmeal

Rich in Fiber: Instant Pot Oatmeal is a good source of dietary fiber, primarily beta-glucans. This soluble fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels, keeps you feeling full, and supports digestive health by preventing constipation.

Low in Calories: A typical serving of plain oatmeal is relatively low in calories, making it an excellent choice for weight management and portion control.

Heart-Healthy: Oatmeal can help lower cholesterol levels due to its beta-glucan content. It reduces LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.

Nutrient-Rich: Oatmeal is rich in essential nutrients, including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. It’s also a good source of B vitamins, particularly thiamin (vitamin B1).

Protein: Oatmeal contains a moderate amount of protein, making it a satisfying breakfast option that can help keep you full until your next meal.

Energy Boost: The complex carbohydrates in oatmeal provide a steady release of energy, making it an excellent choice for sustained energy throughout the morning.