Soaking Grains and a Soaked Oatmeal Recipe

   On one of my favorite websites, Frugal Granola, the owner Michelle posted a recipe for a soaked oatmeal. I initially had to wonder why on earth anyone would make extra work for themselves on something so simple to make! As I read more on the subject it started to make sense. Whole grains have many vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to our bodies. That is common sense. BUT there is a chemical called phytic acid (as well as other substances that interfere with digestion), that hinder our bodies absorption of those nutrients. By soaking those grains in say water with either lemon juice or yogurt, we break down the all the substances that hinder absorption, making more of those nutrients available. The only better way to access those nutrients would be to dampen the grains and let them actually sprout prior to using.
  I could go one and on about the benefits, but that said there are many more resources on the Internet that can explain it better than I can. But I can give you the basics!

Soaking
You can soak grains (and all nuts and seeds!) like rice, oatmeal, millet, quinoa, wheat,  12 to 24 hours at room temperature in some water  with 1-2 tablespoons of whey, lemon juice, vinegar, buttermilk, yogurt, or kefir (this gives it an acidic medium which helps neutralize anti-nutrients).  You can then rinse the grains to remove any acidic taste to them, and then cook in fresh water. (This is absolutely great! I've noticed that with rice especially that my cooking time is shorter and results in a much more tender rice.) That's it, its easy to do!
  Likewise you can soak flour in yogurt or buttermilk before adding the rest of your ingredients. (Be sure to research the recipe to see exactly what is called for. As I haven't tried this YET.)


Michelle's Soaked Oatmeal Porridge

1 Cup rolled oats
2-3 tablespoons lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt
1 cup whole milk (or what you have)
pinch of salt
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup nuts and seeds
1/4 cup raisins

Soak oats, seeds and nuts overnight in enough water to cover. Add lemon juice/vinegar/yogurt. Leave sit overnight. In the morning drain and rinse well. Add milk to a pot and bring to a boil over medium high heat. turn down heat and add remaining ingredients. Stir frequently and continue to simmer until oatmeal has thickened. Serve with sweetener or your choice! I usually make a pot of this up to keep in the fridge for DH to have a homemade breakfast in the morning!

 

                            Have fun experimenting! cheers!~Mama Homesteader