Pistachio Oatmeal made in Microwave

This is my submission to Think Spice... "Saffron” hosted by Sunitha of http://sunitabhuyan.blogspot.com/ and “WYF-Diet food" hosted by Hima of http://snackorama.blogspot.com/

I prefer to have oatmeal for breakfast at least twice in a week. Initially I found it difficult to eat this but its nutritional value appealed to me. Oatmeal is the only whole grain foods recognized by the FDA to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Oats contain a variety of vitamins, minerals and unique antioxidants. Oatmeal can aid in maintaining a healthy weight as part of a diet rich in fiber. Oatmeal can be used in preparing biscuits, cereals and even in soaps.

Over 40 studies show that eating oatmeal may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. According to Quaker, all it takes is 3/4 cup of oatmeal each day to help lower cholesterol. The soluble fiber in oats helps remove LDL or "bad" cholesterol, while maintaining the good cholesterol that your body needs. The soluble fiber in oatmeal absorbs a considerable amount of water which significantly slows down your digestive process. This result is that you'll feel full longer, i.e. oatmeal can help you control your weight. In fact, the American Diabetes Association already recommends that people with diabetes eat grains like oats. The soluble fiber in these foods helps to control blood glucose levels.

According to recent studies, a diet that includes oatmeal may help reduce high blood pressure. The reduction is linked to the increase in soluble fiber provided by oatmeal. Oats contain more soluble fiber than whole wheat, rice or corn. Oatmeal contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and is a good source of protein, complex carbohydrates and iron. The fiber and other nutrients found in oatmeal may actually reduce the risk for certain cancers. Oatmeal is quick and convenient. Every type of oatmeal can be prepared in a microwave oven. For more details visit the following website…
http://www.mrbreakfast.com/

I hope you will add oatmeal to your breakfast menu...






Ingredients:

Quick cook oat meal-1/2 cup (I have used Quaker Quickcook oatmeal)
Milk-1/2 cup
Water-1/2 cup
Honey or sugar-1 tablespoon
Cardamom powder-a pinch
Sliced pistachios-1 tablespoon
Saffron-2or3 strands

Sliced pistachios, saffron and oatmeal…



Method:

1. Soak saffron strands in a tablespoon of milk.

2. Take a microwave safe bowl and add oatmeal, milk and water.

3. Mix sugar, cardamom powder and saffron and microwave for two minutes.

4. Remove the bowl from the microwave. Leave it to set into desired consistency.

5. Garnish with slices of pistachios and serve hot.

Note: We can also use almonds, cashews, hazel nuts instead of pistachios and dry fruits like apricot, raisins, dates etc. And also fresh fruits like straberry, banana etc...