A Warm, Whole Grain, Healthy, Hot Cereal For the Win!
Eating a whole grain, healthy, hot cereal on a chilly morning is comforting. But it doesn’t have to be just for cold mornings. A warm bowl of breakfast grains keeps you going longer than a quick bowl of cold cereal. Although there are infinite amounts of cold cereals to choose from, most are not healthy choices. Whether loaded with sugar and/or preservatives, most don’t meet a healthy standard, so finding a healthy cereal is difficult.
Hot cereal choices in the grocery aisle are another place to look. You’ll find quick oats, old-fashioned rolled oats, cream of wheat, farina, steel-cut oats, etc. I always preferred cream of wheat. But I hated, (correction,) HATED oatmeal. And while those hot picks can be a good choice, I’d like to offer a much better one.
A Simple Mix of Whole Grains!
THE GRAIN BOWL
Many years ago, I found Dr. McDougall’s website. He was part of a group of plant-based doctors spreading the word of the healing and protective benefits of whole foods. Although I came to the vegan lifestyle for the animals, I discovered vegan food could also be the best healthy food.
I saw Dr. McDougall‘s grain bowl recipe, which included oatmeal, and I thought I wouldn’t like it. Then I read some of Dr Greger‘s books, and again, grain bowl recipes were featured. Finally, I decided it was time to switch up my obsession with waffles and berries every. darn. morning. Now it was time to try the infamous grain bowl for myself. Why did it take me so long?!
It is:
- delicious
- satisfying
- easy to make
- versatile
- AND healthy!
It is delicious with a crunchy, chewy, soft bite. It gives a mild, earthy taste.
So satisfying and comforting, with warmth and staying power to keep you full longer.
Also, easy to make, taking only as long as it takes for water to boil. Bonus points because one batch makes 3 servings.
It is versatile because you can make hot cereal, OR a Buddha Bowl, a burrito, a side dish, and so many other things!
AND it is healthy because it is high in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and protein! Check out the many health benefits in this article from Healthline. Or Google it for yourself!
You can’t go wrong with this filling, delicious, healthy food! ( I was also grateful it tasted nothing like the oatmeal I’d always despised.)
Let’s Make a Grain Bowl!
Purchase your whole grains where you can find them. Sprouts has a bulk section that has many whole grains. Whole Foods is a good source, too. Health food stores often have whole grains, depending on where you live. But if you can’t find a good supply of whole grains, try the internet! I purchased some of my grains online.
There is no strict rule on what types of grains you can use. Something to strive for is the type of grain closest to its natural, original form. So, for oats, rather than rolled or steel-cut, look for organic oat groats. There is such a difference in the flavor and the health values. And, if using rye, look for rye berries. When choosing wheat, pick whole wheat berries. If selecting to add rice, try wild rice or brown rice.
My first attempt leaned heavily on the recipe of Dr McDougall. It consists of oat groats, brown rice, quinoa, barley, millet, rye, and spelt berries. I had trouble finding all these items in one place, so I shopped around. Finally, I decided to go with what I had. So, I had many of his recipe’s grains but not quinoa or spelt berries. I found buckwheat groats, and, sounding interesting, I added those to my mix. After adding them to a great big jar, I gave it a good shake and was ready to go.
The Simple Way to Make This Grain Bowl.
Simple is an understatement!
After throwing all your grains into a jar and shaking it up to mix, scoop one cup into a fine mesh strainer like this one. Rinse under cool water. set aside. Fill a pot with three cups of water. Bring to a boil. When boiling is reached, add the rinsed grains, cover the pot, and turn off the heat. Let it sit on the stovetop overnight. Then, in the morning, heat and eat! I add a little maple syrup and soymilk to mine. Add cinnamon, berries, date syrup, or whatever you like!
It’s also good as a savory side dish. Add veggies, onions, garlic, beans, a spicy sauce, mix it into a salad, or anything else that sounds good to you. This whole grain addition will add a healthy element to your meals.
I love to make this hot cereal. And when I’m not enjoying this breakfast, or my waffles and berries, I love this breakfast sandwich! When we have overnight guests, I like to go all out with a smorgasbord of breakfast favorites like these pancakes or this French toast. This casserole and this hot fruit side dish. And if I plan, I make a batch of either these muffins or these!
This Whole Grain, Healthy, Hot Cereal is A Must Try!
So, promise you won’t wait years like I did to try this amazing addition to your meals. Do something nice for yourself by eating healthy. I love having this recipe handy now! And I believe you will too!
Cheers to better health! Ting-Ting!
© thehamptonsvegan 2017-2025 all rights reserved
Whole Grain, Healthy, Hot Cereal (and Side Dish!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Use any of these whole grains, leaving out whatever you prefer.
- Add the grains to a large glass jar with a lid. Shake them up to mix.
- Add three cups of water to a medium-sized pot. Bring to a boil.
- Scoop out one cup of the grains into a fine mesh strainer. Rinse them under cool water.
- Add rinsed grains to the pot of boiling water and cover with a lid. Then turn off the heat.
- Let the pot with the grains sit overnight on the stove.
- In the morning, heat and eat! Reheat over low heat for about 10 minutes. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
- Add nondairy milk, maple syrup, date syrup, berries, cinnamon, or whatever you like to make it a hot cereal you'll love.
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