Instant Pot Omega-3 Banana Walnut Steel Cut Oats

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. If you’re looking for a way to fuel your morning with energy and flavor, then look no further than these Instant Pot Omega-3 Banana Walnut Steel Cut Oats. This recipe combines the goodness of steel-cut oats with the rich flavors of banana and walnuts, enhanced by the power of omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseeds and chia seeds. The Instant Pot makes this dish easy and quick, ensuring you can enjoy a warm bowl of comfort even on the busiest mornings.

Reasons to Love Instant Pot Omega-3 Banana Walnut Steel Cut Oats

There are countless reasons to adore this recipe. First, it’s incredibly nutritious, providing a balanced breakfast that keeps you satisfied longer. Steel-cut oats are high in fiber, which is great for digestion, while walnuts and flaxseeds provide essential omega-3 fatty acids. The natural sweetness from ripe bananas and maple syrup means you won’t need any added sugars.

Moreover, cooking steel-cut oats in the Instant Pot drastically cuts down on the cooking time while ensuring perfectly creamy oats. With minimal hands-on time, you can prepare a big batch for meal prep or whip up a cozy breakfast for the family. Plus, it’s versatile! You can customize toppings and mix-ins to suit your taste.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped fine
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds (flaxseed meal)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 large ripe banana, mashed
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Chopped toasted walnuts (for garnish)
• Banana slices (for garnish)
• A sprinkle of ground cinnamon (for garnish)
• Your favorite nut milk (for serving)

What’s in the Gear List

• 6-Quart Instant Pot: Perfect for making large batches of oats efficiently.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Mixing bowl: To combine the ingredients before cooking.
• Spoon: For stirring and serving your delicious oats.

Directions: Instant Pot Omega-3 Banana Walnut Steel Cut Oats

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Measure out the steel-cut oats, water, almond milk, chopped walnuts, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, mashed banana, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot

In your 6-quart Instant Pot, combine the steel-cut oats, water, almond milk, chopped walnuts, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds, mashed banana, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Set the Instant Pot

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.

Step 4: Natural Release

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. This helps the oats become even creamier. After 10 minutes, carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Stir and Serve

Open the lid and give the oats a good stir. The consistency should be creamy and thick. If you prefer a thinner consistency, feel free to add a splash more almond milk. Serve warm in bowls, garnished with chopped toasted walnuts, banana slices, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Drizzle with a little extra maple syrup if desired.

In-Season Flavor Ideas

• Fresh berries: Add strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor.
• Apples: Stir in diced apples and a bit more cinnamon for a fall-inspired twist.
• Pumpkin puree: Mix in some pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice for a seasonal treat.
• Coconut: Top with shredded coconut for a tropical flair.

Author’s Commentary

As a breakfast lover, I believe that starting the day on a nutritious note is essential. These Instant Pot Omega-3 Banana Walnut Steel Cut Oats have become a staple in my home. The combination of ingredients not only offers a delightful taste but also packs a powerful nutrient punch. The use of the Instant Pot makes this recipe incredibly convenient, allowing for a quick breakfast option without sacrificing quality. I love experimenting with different toppings based on the season, which keeps breakfast exciting and fresh.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply add a splash of almond milk and warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. If you want to make a larger batch, you can freeze individual portions. Just ensure they are in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Instant Pot Omega-3 Banana Walnut Steel Cut Oats FAQs

Can I use rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats?

While you can use rolled oats, the cooking time and texture will differ. Rolled oats cook much faster and will result in a creamier consistency compared to the chewy texture of steel-cut oats.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses almond milk and does not contain any animal products. You can substitute the maple syrup with agave syrup if you prefer.

How can I make these oats sweeter?

If you like your oats sweeter, simply increase the amount of maple syrup to your taste, or add a bit of brown sugar or a sugar alternative. You can also mix in some dried fruit for extra sweetness.

Is it necessary to use the Instant Pot for this recipe?

While the Instant Pot makes the process quick and easy, you can also cook steel-cut oats on the stovetop. Just keep in mind that cooking time will be longer, typically around 30-40 minutes.

Wrap-Up

This Instant Pot Omega-3 Banana Walnut Steel Cut Oats recipe is not just another breakfast option; it’s a nourishing start to your day that you can feel good about. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again. The combination of wholesome ingredients ensures you’re getting the nutrients you need to power through your morning, while the versatility allows you to enjoy it in a way that suits your taste buds. So grab your Instant Pot, and let’s make breakfast a meal to look forward to!