Savory Oat Bran With Spinach and Tofu

When I just want to feel comforted by food, I reach for a bowl of savory oat bran topped with whatever I am craving at the moment.

A buttery, salted bowl of oat bran takes me back when my grandma would whip up a soothing dish of cream of wheat or farina. She’d happily bring it over to me when I was sick, cold, or just wanted some old-fashioned abuela attention. She never said no. And she still makes it for me when I come over.

Oat bran is different from farina, or milled wheat. They come from different plants. Oat bran (avena) is made from the inner part of the groat and specifically comes from oats. On the other hand, farina comes from the germ and endosperm of the grain.

Because of this, oat bran is a great gluten-free alternative for farina. 

Additionally, oat bran is packed with fiber, protein, iron, and B vitamins – making it a very healthy choice for breakfast.

On very busy mornings when I have one foot out the door and the other dangling a shoe – I just need a hot cup of coffee ASAP and a breakfast that can satisfy me until lunchtime. That’s oat bran. It takes just minutes to make, which is the version of “fast food” I can appreciate.

If you’re short on time, you can also whip up breakfast potatoes and coffee banana smoothie bowl to get your day started….quickly. 

I understand some folks will have their view on savory porridge – but I think it’s one of those foods you have to try out before you knock it. Plain oats are mostly bland and take on whatever flavors you give it, whether that’s sweet or savory.

The closest I can think of it is similar to is white rice – of course, with many differences. However, they are both bland and both sweet and savory recipes can be pulled from them.

You’re essentially working with a blank canvas that can work with many different food and ingredient combinations. On a usual morning, I go for a simple salt, black pepper, and butter oat bran bowl. It’s both easy and satisfying. 

I am still trying to convince my family that savory oats are amazing, but in the meantime, maybe I can convince you. I mean, why else are you here? 

In addition to being delicious, oat bran is very gentle on the wallet and because it’s a pantry-friendly food, it lasts for months at pennies for a serving.

With grocery trips being less frequent, oat bran has been a great way to include much-needed nutrients and calories without the worry of it expiring right away. 

Where To Find Oat Bran

Oat bran can be a bit tricky to find, as it’s not as popular as old-fashioned oats. Even big-box stores might not carry them on their shelves. 

However, it’s typically available online at Amazon – which is where I buy my oat bran. I’ll usually grab a few boxes or buy them in bulk. A shipment of 6 boxes can easily last me for 6 months or longer, depending on how often I am using the oats.

Popular brands that sell oat bran include Bob Red Mill’s and Quaker that comes in packs of 4-6. Both are great options – with a slight difference in texture. I find Bob Red Mill’s oat bran to be a bit more textured than Quaker’s oat bran. 

Both are good and I use them interchangeably, depending on what’s available or more affordable. 

More Oat Bran Recipes

• Chocolate Oat Bran Muffins 
• Oatbran Pancakes With Chocolate 
• Carrot “Cake” Oat Bran Bowl 

How To Make Oat Bran 

Oat bran takes under 5 minutes to make. All you will need is a saucepan and a cooking spoon – I use a silicone spatula. The directions are usually placed at the back of the packaging.

However, generally, you’ll just need about 2 cups of water and ⅔ cups of oat bran (which yields to about 2 servings – or 1 if you have my appetite). 

Cooking directions will vary depending on the brand, but you’ll usually need double the amount of water for the oats you have. The oats will expand and fluff up as they cook. 

Add more or less, depending on how thick or runny you prefer your oats. 

Notes On Savory Oat Bran Recipe

1. This recipe is very forgiving and flexible. Feel free to add, omit, or tweak any ingredients in this recipe. Because this is a savory oatmeal bowl, I recommend sticking with ingredients that pair well with a savory dish. 
2. Stay in the kitchen and keep a close eye on the oat bran while it’s cooking. Because it only takes a few minutes to prepare, a few seconds too long can make it stick, overly thick, or even burn. Watch it and stir frequently. 
3. I recommend eating the oat bran right away. It will begin to dry out and become thicker the longer it sits out. 
4. Oat bran itself is vegan, gluten-free, plant-based, high in fiber + protein, and can lower cholesterol levels. 

For more breakfast recipes, check out 18 Frugal Plant-Based Breakfast Recipes. We have sweet, savory, and everything in between!

Did you try out this Savory Oat Bran With Tofu Scramble and Spinach recipe?

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