Kangaroo House B & B’s Whole Grain Hot Cereal
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Servings: 4-6 servings
Description
Kangaroo House Bed and Breakfast, nestled on Orcas Island in Washington, is known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious, hearty meals. One of their signature dishes is this Whole Grain Hot Cereal, a filling breakfast that is packed with a delightful chewy texture from the combination of grains. Perfect for winter mornings, this wholesome cereal provides a great start to your day. Whether you enjoy it plain or with added toppings, it’s adaptable to your tastes.
Though traditionally made with wheat berries, this recipe can easily be customized based on the grains you have available. If you can’t find wheat berries, simply adjust the amount of barley and brown rice, or try substituting with other hearty grains like kasha. For an extra nutritional boost, adding wheat germ is a great option! The dish can also be made sweeter by incorporating dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, or dates. A drizzle of honey, a dash of brown sugar, or a dollop of cream will make this cereal extra comforting. It’s a versatile dish that’s also vegan-friendly when prepared with non-dairy milk or served plain.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 2 ½ cups |
| Ground Flax Seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Brown Rice | 1/3 cup |
| Barley | 1/3 cup |
| Golden Raisins | 1/3 cup |
| Raisins | ½ cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 495.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 6.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 26.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 106.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
| Sugars | 43.6 g |
| Protein | 10.5 g |
Instructions
- Bring Water to a Boil: In a medium-sized pot, bring 2 ½ cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the Grains: Stir in the flax seeds, brown rice, barley, and (if using) wheat berries. Mix well to combine.
- Simmer the Grains: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the grains to simmer for about 25 minutes, or until they are nearly cooked through and have absorbed most of the water.
- Add Dried Fruit: Stir in the raisins and golden raisins. Cover the pot again and continue simmering for an additional 15 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the grains have reached your desired consistency.
- Serve and Top: Remove from heat and serve hot. You can customize your cereal with your favorite toppings, such as a pat of butter, a splash of cream, soy milk, rice milk, or a sweetener like honey or brown sugar. Fresh or dried fruit, like blueberries, dates, or apricots, can also be added for extra flavor.
- Make Ahead: For convenience, this cereal can be made ahead. Simply store the cooled cereal in microwave-safe containers, refrigerate, and reheat when needed. Add your toppings when serving.
Tips and Variations
- Grain Variations: While wheat berries provide a wonderful texture, feel free to experiment with other grains such as quinoa, oats, or farro if you prefer.
- Add-ins: For added nutrients, consider mixing in a tablespoon of wheat germ or chia seeds along with the flax. You can also boost the flavor by adding a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract.
- Topping Ideas: If you’re not into dairy, you can top the cereal with coconut milk or almond milk for a creamy consistency. For a crunch, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top.
- Sweeten It Up: If you prefer a sweeter flavor profile, drizzle with maple syrup, agave nectar, or add some dried fruit such as cranberries, dates, or figs.
