Why cereals stirred during cooking?

1. To prevent sticking and burning: Stirring helps to distribute heat evenly and prevents the cereal from clumping together or sticking to the bottom of the pot. This is especially important when cooking hot cereals like oatmeal or grits.

2. To ensure even cooking: Stirring ensures that all of the cereal grains are exposed to the heat and cook evenly. This results in a more consistent texture and prevents some grains from being overcooked while others are undercooked.

3. To incorporate ingredients: For some cereals, like porridge, stirring is crucial to incorporate ingredients like milk, water, sugar, or fruits. It allows these ingredients to be evenly distributed throughout the cereal for a more flavorful and cohesive final product.

4. To control the consistency: Stirring can help you achieve the desired consistency for your cereal. For example, if you prefer a thicker porridge, you may stir more frequently to allow the liquid to absorb into the grains.

5. To avoid lumps: Stirring helps to break up any clumps that may form during cooking, resulting in a smoother texture. This is particularly important for cereals like grits, which can become lumpy if not stirred properly.

6. To activate the starch: In some cases, stirring helps activate the starch in the cereal, which helps thicken the mixture and create a creamy texture.

While stirring is important for most cereals, the frequency and intensity of stirring can vary depending on the type of cereal and desired consistency.