Difference Between Extra Thick and Regular Rolled Oats

Although oatmeal is a simple dish to make, there are numerous ways to prepare it. Some people like their oatmeal smooth and creamy, while others like theirs more crunchy and textured. To make matters even more complicated, some people use their oats for granola, for baking in cookies, or even ground up in smoothies, which could end up requiring different types of oats, depending on what you’re going for.

Luckily, there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy your oats—we all need to switch it up sometimes—but if you have a certain preference, you’ll want to make sure you’re buying the right type for whatever you decide you’re making. If your dishes aren’t coming out the way you hoped, you might need to switch up the type of oats you’re using.

Most people tend to buy regular rolled oats rolled oats, but what you may not realize is that extra thick oats exist as well, and they might be the solution to all your oatmeal woes. Bob’s Red Mill Thick Rolled Oats provide that much-needed thickness and texture to your oat-filled dishes, and if you crave a hearty bowl or some dense baked goods, you’ll want to get your hands on this particular type of oat.

So how do you know if extra thick rolled oats are for you? It’s important to know the difference between extra thick and regular rolled oats, so you can best decide when to use them. Here’s how they compare:

Texture

The most obvious difference between extra thick and regular rolled oats is that extra thick oats are thicker (duh!). For starters, it’s important to know how oats are made. Rolled oats are oat groats that have been removed from their outer hull. The oat groats are then brought up to 200°F for 4-5 hours to stabilize the enzyme action. Both types of rolled oats—regular and thick—are then lightly steamed and sent through a roller mill, where they are flattened to various thicknesses.

Thick rolled oats aren’t milled as thin as regular rolled oats, which gives them more density. They are more chewy and robust, resulting in a  heartier, richer dish. However, they still retain that creamy and soothing quality of regular rolled oats, which means you can still enjoy that classic oatmeal taste you love, you just get a chewier spoonful with every bite. Because they’re thick, they also make a good ingredient for recipes that need more substance such as porridge or old-fashioned oatmeal.

Taste

Luckily, thick rolled oats still retain that classic oat taste, but they differ slightly from their slightly thinner counterparts. In fact, some people find that thicker oatmeal actually tastes better than regular oatmeal and they refuse to eat anything else! Because this type of rolled oat is thicker, these oats are chewier, which gives them a bit of a different consistency than regular rolled oats. They still retain that naturally sweet flavor, but thick rolled oats also tend to be a little nuttier and more robust. This makes for a richer oat flavor, rather than the more standard, flour-like taste you get with regular oats. And since Bob’s Red Mill Extra Thick Rolled Oats are freshly milled from the highest quality oats, you know you’re getting the best flavor out there.

Preparation

Because these rolled oats are thicker than regular oats, they need to be prepared a little differently. But don’t worry, this doesn’t require anything drastic. Thick rolled oats are best prepared the traditional way on the stove. Generally, the thicker the oat, the longer the cook time, which just means you need to keep your thick rolled oats on the stove for a little bit longer. However, you can also still prepare thick rolled oats in the microwave.

Because of their thickness and texture, these thick type of oats can be consumed raw, and they are often used in granolas or trail mixes. Many people also use them in baking, such as in bread and cookies.

Cook Time

If you’re new to extra thick rolled oats, you want to make sure you adjust your cook time to account for the larger flakes. This might take some practice, but the key is to allow a little extra time for your oats to cook thoroughly and to your desired consistency. Cook times depend on whether or not you cook your oats on the stove or in the microwave.

For stove top, you bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your thick oats, reduce the heat to medium low, and simmer. This type of oats requires a cook time of about 10-20 minutes, depending on the consistency you desire. Stir occasionally. Cover and remove from heat and let stand a few minutes.

If you’re cooking in the microwave, combine your oats and water. Cover and microwave on high for about 3-5 minutes, then let stand for 2 minutes.

Nutrition

Thankfully, opting for extra thick oats still gives you all the health benefits of eating regular oats. Oats are famous for being a good source of fiber, and just ½ cup of extra thick rolled oats contains 5 grams of the nutrient. In fact, oats are a good source of both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber, which can do wonders for your digestive system. This can also help you feel fuller for longer, which can help you control your weight. Eating oats can also have a positive effect on your cholesterol and your blood pressure. In addition to fiber, oats are also a good source of protein and healthy fats, making them a nutrient-rich choice and a balanced whole grain option—they even have the best amino acid balance of all the cereal grains.

Including oats in your diet can also have some healing effects on your body. Oats are high in beta glucans, a kind of starch that stimulates the immune system, and they also contain more than 20 unique polyphenols called avenanthramides, which have strong anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-itching properties.

Use

Now comes to the important part: how can Bob’s Red Mill Extra Thick Rolled Oats be used? Of course, you can always just stick to creating your regular morning bowl of oatmeal, but there are plenty of other ways extra thick rolled oats can be used. Here are some suggestions where this type of oats work well:

Oatmeal: If you like your bowl of oatmeal extra thick and creamy, opt for these types of oats. Using extra thick rolled oats will give your bowl added robustness and texture. If you want a solid and filling breakfast, these oats are for you. You might even find that you enjoy oatmeal much more when you opt for the thicker variety.

Overnight Oats: Overnight oats are great for busy mornings, since everything gets all set up the night before. But if you’re sick of soggy, thin overnight oats, stress no more: extra thick oats are here to save the day! You can use these thick rolled oats just like you would regular rolled oats to make a creamy overnight dish, but this time, your breakfast will be sure to have a thicker texture.

Granola or Trail Mix: Because of its thick texture, these type of oats work perfectly in a granola recipe, whether its a mixture you bake or just throw together raw. Their strong flavor and extra-thick texture make them the perfect base for a hearty trail mix, and they’ll keep you filled up whether you’re looking for a meal or a snack. Looking for recipe ideas? Try this Vegan Cashew and Coconut Oil Granola using Bob’s Red Mill Extra Thick Rolled Oats.

Smoothies: Just like regular rolled oats, these extra thick rolled oats can be blended into a smoothie for added nutrients like protein and fiber. They provide a richness to the smoothie, making them another great option for thickening up a smoothie bowl.

Bread: Oats can also be used in baking, including making bread. You can make a simple oat bread using thick rolled oats, flour, and yeast. These oats will provide heartiness and thickness to your loaf, and using oats is a good addition to flour, since it provides added nutrition.

Desserts: Whether you’re making oatmeal cookies, muffins, or any other desserts, extra thick rolled oats can be used for all your sweet baking needs. These oats will give your baked goods a chewy texture and a richer flavor, and they can be used in any recipe that calls for regular rolled oats.

The options are endless when it comes to cooking with extra thick rolled oats. You might find that they take a little extra time, but this can allow you to have a more relaxing morning, not to mention you get to enjoy a meal that leaves you feeling both filled up and nourished! If you ever feel like you need more texture, nuttiness, and flavor, try experimenting with a thicker oat, you might be pleasantly surprised what you come up with!

Sources:
https://www.thekitchn.com/whats-the-difference-between-steel-cut-rolled-and-instant-oats-138355

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