Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1

   START THE OATS: In a medium saucepan, bring the 3 cups of water and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, stir in the gluten-free steel cut oats. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer - you want small bubbles, not a rolling boil.

2. 2

   COOK LOW AND SLOW: Simmer the oats for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so to prevent sticking to the bottom. The oats are ready when they're tender but still have a pleasant chewy texture - not mushy. Steel cut oats take longer than rolled oats but have a heartier texture. The mixture will have thickened considerably.

3. 3

   ADD THE APPLE: When about 5 minutes of cooking time remains, add the diced apple and cinnamon to the pot. Stir to combine. The apple will soften slightly but retain some texture, adding a nice contrast to the creamy oats. Continue cooking until the oats reach your desired consistency.

4. 4

   FINISH AND SERVE: Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and incorporated - this adds richness and a silky texture. Drizzle in the maple syrup and stir. Divide among bowls and serve hot. The oats will continue to thicken as they cool, so add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers.