March 5, 2024 | Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Patricia Valbrun

Cream of Wheat Porridge is a timeless breakfast classic, beloved for its creamy texture and comforting warmth. This dish offers a delicious start to your day and a versatile canvas for various flavors, from sweet to savory.

 It's a breakfast staple that's easy to prepare, customizable, and nutritious. Its high fiber content also supports digestive health, making it a smart option for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients for Cream Of Wheat Porridge

Each ingredient in the Cream of Wheat porridge plays a crucial role, combining diverse flavors and textures to create a comforting, satisfying dish.

• Cream of Wheat. The foundation of the porridge offers a creamy texture and a neutral palette for flavors.

• Water. A neutral base that cooks the Cream of Wheat without affecting its taste, allowing other ingredients to stand out.

• Almond Milk. It introduces a light, nutty sweetness and contributes to the porridge's creamy texture.

• Coconut Milk. Adds richness and a hint of tropical flavor, enhancing the porridge's indulgence.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk. Sweetens the porridge and adds a luxuriously smooth texture, easily adjustable for personal taste.

• Cinnamon Sticks and Ground Cinnamon. Impart warm, aromatic qualities, contributing a classic cozy warmth perfect for any comforting meal.

• Star Anise. Provides a distinctive, sweet-spicy flavor, adding depth to the dish.

What Is Cream Of Wheat?

Cream of Wheat is a popular hot cereal made from ground wheat kernels, specifically from the germ and endosperm of the kernel, which is left after the outer bran is removed. It is a type of farina, a smooth, milled cereal grain.

How to Make Cream Of Wheat Porridge 

This provides step-by-step instructions to create a delicious, warm bowl of Cream of Wheat, highlighting its versatility as a breakfast staple.

To make Cream of Wheat porridge recipe:

1. Place water, almond milk, and coconut milk in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add star anise and cinnamon sticks, and bring to a boil. Let it boil for 10 minutes before turning the heat down to low.

2. After reducing the heat, stir the condensed milk, salt and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the Cream of Wheat, whisking constantly to avoid forming lumps.

3. Cover the saucepan and let the cream of wheat simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes, whisking every two minutes to maintain a smooth consistency.

4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh blueberries, bananas, or your preferred toppings.

Healthy Sweetener Options

Enhance your Cream of Wheat with healthier sweeteners that add flavor and nutrition. 

Honey provides antioxidants and floral sweetness, allowing for less use due to its natural intensity. Maple syrup delivers an earthy sweetness rich in minerals like manganese and zinc, with a preference for the pure variety. 

Agave syrup, sweeter and milder than honey, is great for those monitoring sugar intake. Stevia, a zero-calorie, plant-based option, is much sweeter than sugar and suitable for weight management. Coconut sugar adds nutrients with a low glycemic index and a slight caramel flavor. 

 These options diversify your porridge's taste and nutritional profile, catering to health-conscious preferences.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

Cooking Cream of Wheat porridge ideally involves a blend of technique and creativity. Here are some tips and tricks to enhance your porridge-making experience:

Control Thickness - Adjust the porridge's thickness by varying the amount of liquid. For a thicker porridge, use less liquid; for a thinner consistency, add more. Remember, the porridge will thicken as it cools.

Avoid Stickiness - To prevent the porridge from sticking to the bottom of the pan, stir frequently, especially as it starts to thicken. A non-stick saucepan can also be helpful.

Enhance Flavor - Infuse your porridge with flavors by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to the cooking liquid. Sweeteners can also be mixed in during cooking for a more integrated taste.

Experiment with Milk - Swap water for milk (dairy or plant-based) to cook the Cream of Wheat for a creamier texture and richer flavor. You can also use a mix of water and milk to strike a balance.

Customizing Your Porridge With Toppings

 The right toppings can turn your porridge from a basic breakfast option into a gourmet dish full of texture, color, and variety.

Fruits are a popular choice for adding natural sweetness and freshness. Sliced bananas, berries, chopped apples, or pear slices contribute vitamins and fiber and a delightful contrast to the creamy porridge. For a tropical twist, consider mango chunks or pineapple bits.

Nuts and seeds offer a crunchy texture and a boost of healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals. Sprinkle almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, or flaxseeds on top for a nutritious crunch. Nut butters like almond or peanut butter can add creaminess and a rich nutty flavor.

Dried fruits, such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots, bring a chewy texture and a concentrated burst of sweetness. Coconut flakes can add a subtle sweetness and tropical flavor, while cocoa powder or dark chocolate shavings can satisfy chocolate cravings more healthfully.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How should I store leftovers?

Leftover Cream of Wheat porridge can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, add a little milk or water to help restore its creamy consistency, warming it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring well to prevent lumps.

Can I make Cream of Wheat vegan?

Yes, Cream of Wheat can easily be made vegan using plant-based milk such as almond, soy, coconut, or oat milk instead of dairy milk. Additionally, sweeten with vegan-friendly options like maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey, and avoid any toppings or add-ins that contain animal products.

Is Cream of Wheat the same as grits?

No, Cream of Wheat and Grits are not the same. Cream of Wheat is made from ground wheat kernels, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture. Conversely, grits are made from ground corn, specifically hominy, and have a coarser texture and different flavor profile.

Can I use cornmeal for porridge?

Yes, cornmeal can be used to make porridge, commonly called cornmeal porridge or polenta, depending on the region. The cooking process is similar to that of cream of wheat, but the result is a porridge with a different flavor and texture due to the corn base.

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Southern Shrimp and Cheese Grits 

Classic Homemade French Toast

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