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Breakfast porridge made with oat groats.

How to Cook Oat Groats

Oat groats are a versatile ingredient that can be used in sweet or savory dishes. Their wholesome, chewy texture and nutty flavor make them a great addition to hot cereal, soup, salads, or grain bowls.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 116kcal
Author: Pat Nyswonger

Ingredients

  • 3 cups water**
  • 1 cup whole oat groats rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • optional toppings see notes

Instructions

Stovetop Directions

  • Add the water, oat groats, and salt to a medium-sized saucepan. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and place the lid on the pot. 
  • Cook for 45 minutes for a slightly chewy texture or 60 to 70 minutes for a soft, creamy texture.
  • If there is any liquid left in the pot, drain it off. 

Instant Pot Directions

  • Add 2-1/2 cups water, oat groats, and salt to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to seal. 
  • Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes for a slightly chewy texture or 22 minutes for a softer texture.
  • Let the Instant Pot do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Taste-test the oats to determine if you like the texture. If you prefer a softer texture, replace the lid and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes (make a note of your desired cook time for the next time you make oat groats in the Instant Pot).
  • If there is any liquid left, pour it out. 

Slow Cooker Directions

  • Place the water, oat groats, and salt in a slow cooker. 
  • Cover the pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Slow cookers vary in temperature and timing. Check the doneness of the oats and adjust the cooking time according to your slow cooker.

Oat Groats in the Rice Cooker

  • If you have a smaller rice cooker, some of the liquid may foam up and bubble over as it cooks. Place the rice cooker on a plate or tray to catch any liquid that may bubble over. 
  • Add the water, oat groats, and salt to the rice cooker. 
  • Place the lid on the rice cooker and push the tab down to start the cooking. The tab will pop up when the oat groats are finished cooking. If your rice cooker has a timer, set the timer for 45 minutes. 
  • Taste-test the oats. If you prefer a softer texture, add 1/2 cup of liquid and push the tab down to cook more.

Notes

  • It normally takes 3 cups of liquid to 1 cup of oat groats to cook whole oat groats. However, since there is little to no evaporation from the Instant Pot, you only need 2-1/2 cups of liquid if you are cooking the groats in an Instant Pot.
  • For savory oat groats, replace the water with chicken broth or beef broth. 

Sweet Topping suggestions

  • Fresh fruit such as pomegranates, berries, bananas, diced apples or pears.
  • Peanut butter or Nutella
  • Toasted coconut
  • Crunchy granola
  • Toasted nuts like almonds, pistachios or candied pecans 
  • Dried fruit such as raisins, dried cranberries, prunes.
  • Brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. 

For savory toppings:

  • Poached eggs
  • Avocado slices
  • Green onions or chives
  • Shredded cheese (we love smoked Gouda or sharp Cheddar)
  • Bacon crumbles 
  • Diced ham
  • Spicy sausage links
  • Sautéed spinach
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sriracha, or teriyaki sauce

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 116kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 539mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g