Oat bran, cooked

Cooked oat bran is a hot cereal made by simmering the bran layer of oats in water or milk until it thickens into a smooth, slightly gritty porridge, similar to oatmeal but with a heartier, denser texture. It's typically topped with fruit, nuts, cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey for breakfast, but it also works stirred into muffin and pancake batters for extra texture, or whisked into smoothies for body. Because it thickens liquids readily, a spoonful can also be used to add substance to soups or homemade veggie burger mixes, or folded into meatloaf and burger patties in place of some breadcrumbs.

Store dry oat bran in an airtight container in the pantry, and refrigerate any cooked leftovers, reheating with a splash of milk or water to loosen the texture since it thickens further as it cools. A cup of cooked oat bran has just 40 calories and 3.21 grams of protein, along with 2.6 grams of fiber, making it a filling, low-calorie base for breakfast that leaves room for toppings without pushing the calorie count too high and with only 1 milligram of sodium per 100 grams. Its magnesium content, 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams, adds a bit more nutritional value than a plain bowl of cooked grain might suggest.