Steel-cut oats are a healthy addition to anyone's morning bowl. But as time goes on, eating the same thing day after day can get quite monotonous. There are easy ways to switch up your morning routine by trying other hot grain cereal options and flavor combinations to start your day on the right foot.
Quinoa to the Rescue
Originally cultivated by the Inca's in South America, this ancient grain has received the status of a modern-day superfood. Technically not a grain but a seed, it is renowned for its high protein content, especially beneficial in a vegetarian diet. To cook it in place of steel-cut oats, rinse a half cup thoroughly, then add one cup milk or water and bring the mixture to a boil. Let the grains simmer for 15 to 20 minutes before removing them from the heat, fluffing them with a fork and then enjoying them with similar toppings to those you would add to oatmeal.
Talking about Teff
Teff is an ancient North African cereal grass. It may be the smallest grain in the world -- about 100 grains are the size of a kernel of wheat -- but it packs a nutritional punch. This unique hot breakfast can be an exciting change to your routine. Bring one cup of lightly salted water to a boil, add a quarter cup of teff and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add milk, raisins, honey and nuts.
Ooh Ahh Oat Bran
Although made from the same oats as steel-cut oats, the bran is the exterior part of the oat and makes an exceptionally smooth breakfast cereal. Bring one cup of water to a boil, add one-third cup oat bran and let it simmer for two minutes. It really couldn't be simpler. Alternately, cook the grain in a microwave oven. One-third cup dry provides 6 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein.
Spicing things up
No matter what your morning hot cereal, it doesn't have to be boring. Try a variety of fruits and nuts, everything from ripe banana and almonds, to apricots and walnuts, to raisins and pecans. Spice things up by mixing in canned pumpkin and cinnamon, a sweet fall treat. Satisfy any sweet cravings by adding unsweetened cocoa powder, cocoa nibs and a sweetener of choice. Stir in a nut butter of choice to make it more filling. Try different types of milk-almond, soy or rice. Make it savory by mixing in vegetables, soy and sriracha sauce. The possibilities are endless.
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