Warm Hug: Dominican Style Farina Recipe

Have you ever wanted a comforting warm hug in food form? Try this recipe of Dominican style farina and trust me when I tell you, you will feel like everything is alright. And the best part? It's healthy--with only 6 grams of sugar and a great ratio of carbs to protein, Dominican style farina makes for a great pick me up any time of day.

This farina recipe has been passed down through generations in my family. I've made it for my daughters since they were able to eat solid food and they relate it to love and pure comfort. I mean we love anything with cinnamon. In the Dominican Republic, we use it, not only for it's earthy sweet flavor as a spice, but because it contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory benefits which boost the immune system.

In the Dominican Republic you would find it served sometimes for breakfast, but many families serve it for supper with freshly baked warm pan sobao. Dominicans opt for a large hearty lunch and a lighter dinner. This creamy goodness can be slid into any routine, really.

I have an important note to make. Farina is usually served extra creamy. To do this you must not stop stirring throughout the cooking process (about 5-7 minutes). I, however, love a few lumps in my farina. I tend to stir for 2 minutes, then stop for a minute, and then stir again for another minute. If it's your first time having farina, I would try it creamy without lumps, just know that it's not the end of the world if you forget stir continuously.

Dominican Style Farina Recipe

Only 7 Ingredients:

Makes one serving

• 3 tablespoons of your favorite brand of farina. I like to use Cream of Wheat.

• 1 cup of your favorite milk. Oatmilk happens to give it a delicious flavor, but cow milk is what's traditionally used.

• 1/2 tablespoon of salted butter. If you do not have salted butter, use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt.
  

• 1/2 tablespoon of sugar. I like to use turbinado sugar for the added earthy taste, but white granulated sugar works just as fine.

• 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon of ground allspice

• 1 teaspoon of nutmeg

Directions for Dominican style farina:

1. Add milk, butter, sugar, cinnamon, ground allspice, and nutmeg.

2. Add farina.

3. Stir gently continuously on medium heat until desired thickness. For a creamy consistency stir for about 5-7 minutes. To prevent lumps, do not stop stirring until the very end. The farina will continue to cook and thicken when you're done, so account for this while stirring.

4. Let sit for 2-3 minutes. The farina will continue to cook and thicken a little more.

5. Serve warm with a delicious piece of toast or your favorite bread, berries and a light drizzle of honey, or a simple sprinkle of cinnamon.