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How to Make Cream of Wheat in the Microwave
Cream of wheat is a type of hot cereal made from wheat. It has a creamy, smooth texture and is often eaten as a breakfast porridge. With just a few simple steps, you can easily make a bowl of cream of wheat in the microwave for a fast and delicious breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1⁄3 cup cream of wheat instant
- 1 cup water or milk
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- Desired toppings like brown sugar, fruit, nuts, etc.
Instructions
Use a Microwave-Safe Bowl
Start by putting the cream of wheat into a microwave-safe bowl. Glass or ceramic bowls work best. Avoid using plastic bowls as they can warp or melt in the microwave.
Add Liquid
Pour in 1 cup of water or milk. For a creamier cereal, use all milk. For lighter cereal, use half water and half milk. Stir the ingredients together until combined.
Microwave
Microwave the cream of wheat mixture on high power for 1 minute. This timing may vary slightly depending on your microwave wattage.
Remove and Stir
Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave using oven mitts or a dish towel. The bowl will be very hot! Give the cream of wheat a good stir.
Microwave Again
Return the bowl to the microwave and heat on high for another 30-60 seconds. The cereal should start to thicken.
Stir and Check Consistency
Remove from microwave and stir well. At this point, the cream of wheat should have a smooth, creamy consistency. If it seems too thin, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the desired thickness is reached.
Add Toppings
Transfer the cooked cream of wheat to a bowl. Add any toppings like brown sugar, cinnamon, fresh fruit, nuts, or milk. Enjoy hot!
Tips
- Stir the cream of wheat between microwave intervals to prevent lumps from forming.
- Microwave ovens vary – cooking time may take a bit longer or shorter.
- Use care when removing the bowl as it will be extremely hot.
- Try using milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.
- Customize your cream of wheat with different flavors of instant cream of wheat.
- Refrigerate leftovers and gently reheat in the microwave for a quick breakfast later in the week.
FAQ
What is a cream of wheat made from?
Cream of wheat is made from wheat farina, which is ground wheat grains with most of the bran removed. It’s sometimes referred to as “wheat cereal.”
Is cream of wheat healthy?
Cream of wheat offers nutritional benefits. A 1⁄3 cup serving provides 4g of protein and 4g of fiber. It’s an excellent source of iron, providing 47% of the daily value. It also contains B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. When prepared with milk, it provides calcium.
How long do you microwave cream of wheat?
Microwaving time can vary, but generally, it takes 1 minute followed by stirring, and another 30-60 seconds to cook cream of wheat. Total time is around 1-2 minutes.
Does cream of wheat need to be stirred while cooking?
Yes, it’s important to stir cream of wheat frequently while microwaving to prevent clumping or uneven cooking. Stir every 30 seconds for the smoothest texture.
Can you use instant oats instead of cream of wheat?
Yes, instant oats can be prepared in the microwave using a similar process to cream of wheat. However, the texture will be different – cream of wheat has a smoother, creamier consistency compared to oats.
What can I add to the cream of wheat?
Some tasty mix-in options include:
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract
- Fresh fruit like bananas, berries, and apples
- Nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans
- Sweeteners like brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey
- Milk, yogurt, or peanut butter
Can you make cream of wheat ahead of time?
Yes! Make a big batch on the weekend and store individual portions in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between. You can also freeze cooked cream of wheat for 1-2 months.
Conclusion
Making cream of wheat in the microwave is a fast, simple way to enjoy a comforting bowl of hot cereal any day of the week. In just a couple of minutes, you can whip up this creamy wheat cereal loaded with nutrients like iron, fiber, and B vitamins.
Microwaving locks in flavor without the hassle of stovetop cooking. So give this easy breakfast recipe a try – your mornings just got brighter! Adjust cooking times as needed and get creative with mix-ins. Cream of wheat warms you up, keeps you full, and makes the perfect wholesome start to your day.
I’m Ian Welkins, a seasoned professional in the kitchen industry. My passion now drives me to provide invaluable insights into the world of top-notch kitchen products. With years of hands-on experience, I’m your go-to source for culinary excellence.