Soaked Grains

I've been learning a lot about soaking grains recently and I have to say not only is it a lot healthier for you, it is delicious and easy as well! We've soaked oatmeal, rice, muffins and now yummy bread. Apparently this is the way people used to prepare grains (waaaay back) and it makes it a lot easier for us to digest the grain and increases nutrient absorption as well. Now, I'm no nutritionist but this is what I've found from my research. Basically, grains have protective measures (phytic acid, enzyme inhibitors, and proteins) to keep them stable until the time of germination. These protective measures get in the way of nutrition and digestion. By soaking the grains in acidulated warm liquid, it mimics germination and unlocks the enzymes thus making it easier for us to digest and absorb the nutrients available (info from GNOWFGLINS).

Usually I will start a recipe to soak after my son is in bed and I will leave it soaking until the next day when I'm ready to finish the recipe. Grains need to soak about 12 hours, but can soak up to 24 or more hours in some cases. This actually makes it a lot easier for me because I can start the recipe in the evening and then finish it up when my son is napping the next day (and most of the work is already done!)

This soaked oatmeal recipe might be the tastiest oatmeal I've ever had:

Basic Soaked Oatmeal (Adapted from GNOWFGLINS @ http://gnowfglins.com/)
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/4 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
Raisins (optional)

The night before, combine the oats, buttermilk and water in a pot. Cover and set aside. The next morning, add the milk, salt, cinnamon and maple syrup. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and allow to simmer until thick (about 10 minutes). Serve with raisins or other desired toppings.

This is seriously delicious!

Basic Soaked Whole Wheat Bread (Adapted from Kitchen Stewardship @ http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/)
1 cup minus 2 Tbsp. room temp water
2 Tbsp. yogurt whey (I just used plain yogurt)
1/4 cup coconut oil or melted butter
2 Tbsp. honey
2 3/4 cups whole wheat flour
1 3/4 tsp. yeast
1 tsp. salt

Put water, oil, honey, yogurt whey and flour in a bowl and let soak overnight or at least 12 hours*.  After it has soaked, add the yeast and salt and knead until smooth and elastic about 10 minutes. If it’s too sticky, add some more flour. Transfer to a buttered or oiled bowl and cover to let rise until doubled (about 45 minutes or longer?) Punch down. Shape into a loaf or rolls, placed in a greased pan and let rise a little longer. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

 *Do not add the yeast and salt while soaking - the yeast and salt will get in the way of the soaking process. 

This is seriously good bread. C had 2 pieces with his lunch today and I had to hide it and distract him from begging for more.

All this soaking seemed kind of intimidating at first, but now that I've started doing it, I've found it to be really easy because it helps me plan ahead and most of the work is done while C is sleeping. That's always a plus in my book :)