Raisin'N Orange Oat Bran Cereal

Cooking oat bran in orange juice instead of straight water changes everything. Half a cup of OJ replaces half the cooking liquid, giving the cereal a natural citrus sweetness that means you barely need any added sugar. The raisins plump up during cooking and add little bursts of concentrated sweetness throughout.

This is a single-serving recipe that takes about a minute on the stovetop or 2 ½ minutes in the microwave. The cereal thickens as it stands after cooking, so pull it off the heat while it still looks slightly loose. By the time you sit down, it’s the perfect porridge consistency.

A dash of cinnamon rounds out the orange and raisin flavors with warm spice. Served with skim milk and a touch of sugar if you want it, this is a heart-healthy breakfast with serious fiber and zero fuss.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh-squeezed orange juice if you have it. The flavor is brighter than from a carton.
• Don’t walk away from the stove. One minute of cooking means it goes from perfect to gluey in seconds.
• Let it stand covered after cooking. The resting time is where the oat bran absorbs the last of the liquid and reaches the right thickness.
• For microwave prep, use a bowl at least twice the volume of the ingredients. Oat bran bubbles up aggressively and overflows small containers.

Variations

• Swap orange juice for apple juice and add diced dried apples for an apple-cinnamon version.
• Stir in a tablespoon of chopped walnuts after cooking for healthy fats and crunch.
• Add a drizzle of honey and a pinch of cardamom for a warmer, more aromatic bowl.