Steel-Cut Oats with Berries, Apples, Bananas & Nutty Toppings
Steel-cut oats are one of my morning staples. They’re hearty, comforting, and an easy way to bring in variety with toppings. Some days I cook an apple with cinnamon and stir it into the oats, other days I keep it fresh with berries, sliced nectarines, or banana. I like to rotate different fruits during the week to get a range of colors and nutrients, it’s one of the simplest ways to support gut health and overall healing.
- 1/2 cup steel-cut oats
- 2 cups water
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 apple chopped
- 1 handful berries
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
- 1 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 splash pistachio, oat, almond, or coconut milk
Basic oats: Bring water to a boil in a small pot. Add steel-cut oats and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
For cinnamon apples: While oats cook, warm coconut oil in a small skillet. Add chopped apple and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Cook until soft and fragrant, then stir into the oats near the end of cooking.
Serve: Spoon oats into a bowl and top with apples, berries, nuts
Why It’s Healing
- Steel-cut oats are rich in soluble fiber (beta-glucans), which feed beneficial gut bacteria and support stable blood sugar.
- Rotating colorful fruits, like berries, bananas, and nectarines, brings a range of antioxidants, prebiotic fiber, and phytonutrients to protect cells.
- Bananas provide resistant starch and potassium, which can help balance electrolytes and support gut health.
- Walnuts or nutty granola add healthy fats and minerals like magnesium and zinc for immune support.
- Coconut flakes give healthy fats while adding a naturally sweet, satisfying texture.
- Cinnamon apples create a cozy, warming option and may help balance blood sugar.
