Whole Oat Groat Porridge

     Nothing is better for breakfast than whole, minimally processed grains. This morning we enjoyed a delicious oat groat porridge topped with strawberries, bananas, and pecans. Oat groats can be found in the bulk section of most natural food stores such as Whole Foods. Oat groats usually take 1 to 1 1/2 hours to cook, but with a little planning ahead the night before cooking time can be cut down significantly.

Whole Oat Groat Porridge

Serves 2

1 cup whole oat groats

3 cups water

2 TBS agave nectar

1/4-1/2 tsp cinnamon

fresh strawberries

2 bananas

pecans

1. In a heavy saucepan heat 1 cup of oat groats and 3 cups of water. 
2. Stir and bring to a boil for one minute. Make sure oats do not stick to the bottom of the saucepan and that they do not boil over.
3. Turn off the heat and cover. Leave saucepan covered on the stove until the following morning. 
4. In the morning turn on heat and simmer oats for about 10 minutes until they are creamy and remaining water is absorbed. Add more water if needed.
5. When 10 minutes are almost up add the cinnamon and agave nectar. Stir to mix well. 
6. Spoon oat groats into bowls.
7. Top with fresh strawberries, bananas, and pecans.

This recipe also tastes great with fresh or frozen blueberries. They can be added on top as a garnish or added at the end of the cooking time and mixed into the porridge. Try topping the porridge with thinly sliced almonds or walnuts to change it up.