Cream of Wheat is a versatile ingredient that is often overlooked in the kitchen, but it can be used in a variety of dishes from breakfast to dinner. Cream of Wheat is the best-known brand name of a product known as farina, which is made by removing the bran from the central endosperm of milled wheat. It is a vegan source of iron, usually found in meat, as well as B vitamins, which support, among other things, improved brain health.
Cream of Wheat is safe, healthy for babies who have just started to eat solid food and easy to digest. But Cream of Wheat is versatile. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a comforting dinner, or a tasty dessert, Cream of Wheat can be a surprising addition to your meals. This creamy and smooth cereal makes a great base for recipes that require a thickening agent, like soups and stews, and can also be used to add a unique texture to baked goods. In this article, we’ll explore some creative ways to use Cream of Wheat in your cooking, from a hearty breakfast porridge to a creamy pot pie. So, get ready to bring a little bit of comfort and flavor to your meals with Cream of Wheat!
Nutritional benefits of Cream of Wheat
Before we dive into the creative ways to use Cream of Wheat in your cooking, let’s talk about its nutritional benefits. Cream of wheat is a good source of iron, which is essential for healthy blood circulation and the transportation of oxygen throughout the body. It is also a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. Cream of Wheat is also low in fat and calories, making it a healthy addition to your diet.
A word of caution and allergy alert! Cream of Wheat is not gluten free and folks with gluten intolerance must be careful in consuming this ingredient.
Creative ways to use Cream of Wheat in breakfast dishes
Cream of Wheat is a popular breakfast cereal, and there are many ways to prepare it. One of the most popular ways is to cook it with milk and sweeten it with honey or maple syrup. You can also add fresh fruit, such as berries or bananas, to the cereal for added flavor and nutrition.
Another way to use Cream of Wheat in your breakfast dishes is to make pancakes. Simply mix Cream of Wheat with flour, buttermilk, and baking powder to create a batter. Cook the batter on a griddle or frying pan until golden brown. Serve the pancakes with your favorite syrup and toppings.
If you’re looking for a more savory breakfast option, try making Cream of Wheat with ghee, spices, and herbs. Cook the Cream of Wheat according to the package instructions, and then stir in ghee and chopped herbs, such as parsley or mint. Serve the dish hot with a side of eggplant saung or cholae.
Lunch ideas using Cream of Wheat
Cream of Wheat can also be used to create delicious lunch dishes. One popular option is to use it as a thickening agent in soups and stews. Simply add a tablespoon or two of Cream of Wheat to the soup or stew and let it cook until thickened.
Another way to use Cream of Wheat in your lunch dishes is to make a creamy pasta sauce. Cook the Cream of Wheat with milk until thickened, and then stir in grated Paneer and ginger. Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta and top with fresh herbs.
For a more filling lunch option, try making Cream of Wheat patties. Mix cooked Cream of Wheat with chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers and cabbage, and form into patties. Cook the patties on a griddle or frying pan until golden brown. Serve the patties with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Cream of Wheat in dinner recipes
Cream of Wheat can also be used to create hearty and comforting dinner recipes. One popular option is to use it as a filling for chicken pot pie. Mix cooked Cream of Wheat with cooked chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with a layer of flaky pastry. Bake the pie in the oven until golden brown and bubbly.
Another way to use Cream of Wheat in your dinner recipes is to make a creamy risotto. Cook the Cream of Wheat with chicken broth until thickened, and then stir in chopped mushrooms and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve the risotto hot with a side of roasted vegetables.
For a more exotic dinner option, try making Cream of Wheat dumplings. Mix cooked Cream of Wheat with spices, such as cumin and coriander, and form into dumplings. Steam the dumplings until cooked through, and then serve with a spicy tomato sauce.
Delicious Cream of Wheat desserts
Cream of Wheat can also be used to create delicious desserts. One popular option is to make Cream of Wheat pudding. Cook the Cream of Wheat with milk and sugar until thickened, and then stir in vanilla extract. Serve the pudding hot or cold with a dollop of whipped cream.
Another way to use Cream of Wheat in your desserts is to make a fruit crumble. Mix Cream of Wheat with butter and brown sugar, and then sprinkle the mixture over a layer of sliced fruit, such as apples or peaches. Bake the crumble in the oven until golden brown and bubbly.
For a more indulgent dessert option, try making Cream of Wheat chocolate truffles. Mix cooked Cream of Wheat with melted chocolate and roll the mixture into balls. Chill the truffles until firm, and then dust with cocoa powder.
Cream of Wheat as a substitute in recipes
Cream of Wheat can also be used as a substitute for other ingredients in recipes. For example, you can use Cream of Wheat as a thickening agent in place of cornstarch or flour. Simply mix a tablespoon of Cream of Wheat with a tablespoon of water and add it to the recipe.
You can also use Cream of Wheat as a substitute for bread crumbs in recipes. Simply mix Cream of Wheat with herbs and spices, and then use it as you would bread crumbs.
Cooking tips when using Cream of Wheat
When using Cream of Wheat in your cooking, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking the cereal. Overcooking or under cooking Cream of Wheat can result in a lumpy or mushy texture.
Second, be sure to stir Cream of Wheat frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Finally, be sure to store Cream of Wheat in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent it from spoiling.
Where to buy Cream of Wheat
Cream of Wheat is widely available in grocery stores and online retailers. Look for it in the cereal or baking aisle of your local store, or order it online from retailers like Amazon.
Conclusion
Cream of Wheat is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes from breakfast to dinner. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a comforting dinner, or a tasty dessert, Cream of Wheat can add a unique texture and flavor to your meals. Try out some of the creative ways to use Cream of Wheat in your cooking, and discover a new favorite ingredient in your kitchen.
