Similar to grits, but a slightly smoother texture, cream of wheat is a type of porridge mix made from wheat middlings. It does not taste sweet, bitter or sour, but has a rather plain flavor that makes an excellent base to add any toppings you desire.
Just like microwaving oatmeal, cream of wheat can be cooked or reheated in the microwave. This saves time and much faster to prep the delicious meal compared to stovetop cooking.
How do you microwave Cream of Wheat? Combine 3 tablespoon of cream of wheat and ¾ cup of water or milk with pinch of salt in a microwaveable bowl.
Microwave on high for 1 minute, and stir well. Continue to nuke an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until thickened, and stop to stir every interval of 30 seconds.
After cooking, allow the porridge to rest for 2 minutes before carefully removing the bowl from microwave and adding milk or hot water to thin the consistency. Garnish with butter, fruit, and nuts of your choice to enjoy.
Cream of wheat is made from farina, which is a type of hot cereal with a fine consistency. Therefore, the hot cereal is often combined with milk or water and topped with a variety of sweet and savory ingredients.
In this article, we are going to share how to cook or warm up cream of wheat properly in the microwave. Answered below are frequently asked questions including expert tips to microwave cream of wheat so you can enjoy anytime of the day.
Is it healthy to microwave cream of wheat?
Yes, it is healthy to microwave cream of wheat. It is a nutritious source of several important nutrients such as niacin, vitamin, calcium, iron, and folate.
Using a microwave to cook from scratch or reheat cream of wheat does not lessen nutritional benefit or alter the taste at all. In fact, it is safer, faster and easier preparation method compared to stove cooking without the risk of burning the bottom.
Can you warm up cream of wheat?
Absolutely yes, you can warm up cream of wheat. Leftover cream of wheat is a perishable food that needs to be stored in the fridge and reheated to an internal temperature of 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe to eat.
As a result, it is recommended to warm up in the microwave to the proper internal temp for it to be safe to consume instead of eating cold.
If the cream of wheat is too thick due to excess milk or water being absorbed, just add a little more milk or water while heating and stir to loosen the consistency.
How long should you microwave cream of wheat?
Due to its fine ground granule size, cream of wheat takes the shortest amount of time to microwave. Generally, takes between 2 to 3 minutes to fully cook.
The microwave time depends on the wattage of microwave and serving size of cream of wheat.
Ensure that cream of wheat is no longer hard or lumpy by looking for a smooth texture than it is enjoyable to eat. Letting it sit for minute or two will help to absorb the liquid even more to thicken the texture after it has been fully cooked.
Tips to microwave cream of wheat
To make a fulfilling and hearty cream of wheat, microwave is best cooking method when it comes to saving time and energy. Simply combine all the ingredients and place the dish in the microwave.
The short cooking time and quick thickening results in a high chance of burning when caution is not taken.
Here are tips to microwave cream of wheat for you to review to make delicious and creamy bowl at any time:
- Place cream of wheat mixture with water or milk into a deep and wide microwaveable bowl to prevent from boiling over.
- Stop every 15 to 30 seconds to stir thoroughly to evenly distribute heat and break air bubbles.
- Use high power to cook the cereal for a minute. Depending on the wattage, adjust the power to medium heat and lengthen the cooking time.
- Follow the proper liquid to cream of wheat ratio, equal to 5 parts liquid for every 1 part of dry cereal.
- Replace water with milk to make a creamy and tasty cream of wheat.
Best way to microwave cream of wheat
Microwave cream of wheat is safe and convenient way to consume essential minerals, iron, and vitamins on a daily basis. With variety of toppings, it makes the hot cereal fun to eat with sweet and savory flavors in every bite.
The best way to microwave cream of wheat is following the cooking time and serving size to nail down the perfect consistency.
Place desired amount of cream of wheat, water or milk, and pinch of salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir well to mix before heating.
Microwave on high for 1 minute and stop the appliance to stir. Continue to microwave for another minute or two until the cereal thickens.
It is important to stir every 30 seconds to prevent from burning. Observe the cream of wheat becomes thickens and no longer be able to see liquid around it.
Depending on the personal preference, add a splash of milk or slice of butter to make it creamy. After cooking, allow the hot cereal to settle for 2 minutes and then add your favorite topping before serving.
Microwaving Cream of Wheat: Conclusion
Cream of wheat is an excellent breakfast meal option that digests easily and prepares with ease in a matter of minutes. A microwave is the perfect kitchen appliance to cook the porridge without using the stove top.
This hot cereal is loaded with vitamins, iron, and niacin that ensures daily suggested nutritional benefits that are not affected when microwaved. In fact, the microwave is safe and can also warm up the cream of wheat in just a couple minutes.
It tastes better when you warm up the cereal instead of eating cold where the texture is lumpy and hard.
When microwaved, a single serving of cream of wheat takes about 2 to 3 minutes to cook or reheat. However, the cooking time can vary depending on the serving size, wattage and power of microwave.
Regardless of the liquid to cream of wheat ratio and cooking time, it is crucial stop and stir every 30 seconds to prevent the hot cereal from burning. Food reaches the boiling point quickly in the microwave, so understand the principles and reduce the power level and slightly extend cooking time to produce a better result when microwaving Cream of Wheat.