Let me tell you something about my new found addiction. If you can call 6 months new,that is. Oat bran .
I have it everyday. Almost. Around 5 to 6 times a week for breakfast. It has become my go-to-done-in-5 minute breakfast. I have never got bored of it so far. And I hope I never will.
I detest regular wholewheat rolled oats now,it tastes bland ,very gooey and I thank God I didn’t have to stomach it out longer. I discovered oat bran quite accidently while going through a meal plan to lose some of the stubborn-never-seem-to-shift weight. It said to cook the oat bran with just plain water and no sugar. Now that’s way too plain for me. Of course,I omitted the sugar and added my own twist to it.
Cinnamon for flavor,nuts for the crunch and dried fruits for sweetness. And for chocolaty goodness,the chocolate chips. A teaspoon or two doesn’t hurt right. Well,my whole idea was to have breakfast and dessert together in one meal.
And here is the good part. According to numerous reports, oar bran has more fiber content, less calories ,more antioxidants,vitamins & minerals than regular oatmeal. It helps you feel full fast, keeping you satiated so you eat less between meals. It helps me get through the hectic mornings well until lunchtime. And in another study I read,those who eat dessert with their breakfast tend to get less cravings throughout the day,specially the dreaded 4 pm cravings. So I was killing two birds with one stone.
Here you see the texture of the oat bran. It has a nice chewy bite to it even after you cook. It doesn’t get completely gooey as the regular oatmeal. It should be great in soups and stews, I never tried it yet and will one of these days. If you prefer it with a bit of extra sweetness,you can add a dash of honey,maple syrup or date syrup, take your pick. The recipe is meant to be as a guideline only, tweaking it according your taste buds is entirely up-to you. You can even try a savory version. In that case, make sure to let me know how it turns out.
Cinnamon Oat Bran with Fruits,Nuts and Chocolate Chips
1 cup soya milk (any dairy or nut milk will work too)
1/4 cup oat bran
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1 to 2 tsp of chocolate chips
raisins,dried cranberries
sliced almonds,pistachios to garnish
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Place milk, oat bran, salt, cinnamon powder in a small sauce pan over medium heat and let it come to a slow boil,stirring in between.
Once the cereal comes to a boil,reduce heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Add raisins and let it simmer for 1 more minute.
Take off from fire, add the chocolate chips,about 2 tsp of chopped or sliced nuts and stir.
Serve warm garnished with dried cranberries and rest of the nuts.
5 minute breakfast ideas are always tempting and I will definitely give this a try. I love your photo – no surprises there. 😉
Lovely post Farwin…I use rolled oats all the time but have never tried oat bran, it looks like good alternative to the gooey porridge. Beautiful pictures..can't take my eyes off them.
Yes neelu,you should give it a try and thanks for your lovely words.
Thanks,sweetie! Just give it a try you might end up liking it.