The useful part
How to prep it
- 1
Toast the steel-cut oats in a dry saucepan for 3 minutes until nutty.
- 2
Add the water, plant milk, cinnamon, and salt. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 3
Fold in the apples and maple syrup and cook for 5 more minutes until the apples soften and the oats are creamy.
- 4
Divide into four jars and pack the walnuts separately.
Work with what you have
Easy substitutions
Use the closest swap that fits what you have and how you plan to pack it.
plant milk
regular milk or extra water
walnuts
pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds
Make the next meal easier
Leftover plan
Leftover plan
Loosen extra oats with milk and top them with yogurt or a spoonful of nut butter.
Storage
Cool portions before sealing. Refrigerate what you will eat within 3 days and freeze the rest in dated containers.
Reheat
Reheat with a splash of milk, stirring halfway through. Thaw frozen portions overnight first.
Food safety guidance
For cooling, storing, and reheating details, use the USDA references below.