Creamy Instant Pot Oatmeal and Craving Comfort

Oatmeal comes and goes in spurts in our house. It was quite the regular about 4 years ago. During their middle school years. Since I use steel cut oats, it used to be a 30 minutes affair. The kids got bored of it and I gave up on it for a while. Now, it has made a comeback thanks to the Instant Pot. I have perfected this rather simple method. It does need a little bit of one step planning. As in soaking the oatmeal the night before you make it. The bonus of that is the next morning you can just push the button and have your breakfast cook while you brush your teeth and get ready for other things in life. So, here is me feeling happy about Instant Pot Oatmeal. As this is easy, comforting outrageously creamy and so good for you.

I have been craving general comfort. I got a major scare yesterday when my mother had sent me a text telling me she was visiting a doctor. The 7 hours between 12am (EST) when I got the text and the time I reached her to find out that it was not COVID related was terrifying. I am however happy to see that West Bengali has a strict lockdown. And in the middle of the lockdown the Bengali humor prevails.

Back to this oatmeal. I offer you a basic foolproof recipe. You can season this to taste, my consistency is gruel or porridge like. You can have it a little thicker if you wish. One of my go to seasonings is maple sugar, cardamom, topped with pistachio and pomegranate seeds. You can finish or season as you see fit. To get this perfect creamy wholesome texture,

Do:

• Use steel cut oats (they keep you full longer)
• Make sure you add in that 1/2 cup milk or almond milk to finish.
• Pop in the cardamoms or cinnamon while cooking
• Allow at least 10 minutes before releasing pressure
• Use a 1 is to 2.5 oatmeal to water ratio while cooking

Do not

• Skip the overnight soak
• Over season
• Miss the opportunity to enjoy jaggery or maple syrup to sweeten this.

If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot Facebook group. Of course Instant Indian is ready for order, joining its siblings The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.

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  Creamy Instant Pot Oatmeal and Craving Comfort

  Prep Time: 8 hours

  Cook Time: 25 minutes

  Total Time: 8 hours, 25 minutes

  Yield: Serves 4

  

  Ingredients

  • 1 cup steel cut oats
  • 2.5 cups water
  • 3 to 4 pods cardamom
  • 1/2 cup milk or almond milk
  To finish
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup or powdered jaggery
  • Pomegranate seeds (see note)
  • Chopped Pistachios

  Instructions

  1. Place the oatmeal, water and cardamoms in the instant pot base overnight. In the morning give it a stir, set to 4 minutes of pressure and allow a natural release.
  2. Remove the lid and stir well. Gently add in the milk or almond milk. You can extract the cardamom pods and stir in the maple syrup or jaggery.
  3. Top with the pomegranate seeds and pistachios and enjoy warm.

  Notes

  1. You can use a cinnamon stick instead of the cardamom pods. 2. You can top this with any topping or enjoy plain.

  Stove Top Instructions

  Place the soaked oatmeal and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more water if needed. The mixture should be thick and smooth when done. Stir in the milk and finish as needed.

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