Did you know that porridge was one of the first foods prepared and eaten by our ancestors? Porridge has been helping us start the day for over 9000 years! Due to its early origins, oat dishes can be found all over the world. Porridge has made a real comeback in recent years as many people recognize the healthy and filling properties of this simple breakfast food. However, eating the same breakfast every morning can get boring. That is why we have put together the best tips for a creamy porridge that will give you a better start to the day.
Creamy porridge is the perfect breakfast
Porridge is one of the most nutritious breakfasts you can eat
Benefits of porridge
Porridge is good for you – probably one of the most nutritious breakfasts you can eat. Oats are a whole food and are 100% whole grain with very few additives. Oats contain carbohydrates and fiber, but also more protein and fat than other grains. Magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, folate, vitamins B1 and B5 are all found in just half a cup of oatmeal. Porridge is one of the most nutrient dense and lowest calorie breakfasts you can eat. Whole grain oats are also high in antioxidants, which lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and even have anti-inflammatory properties. A good source of soluble fiber, oatmeal supports healthy gut bacteria, which is good for digestion and your overall health.
All types of oatmeal are generally nutritious and good for you
The exception is some instant or pouched oats, which are more processed and sometimes contain artificial flavors or sweeteners. While these packets are a good option for a quick breakfast, they are less nutritious than unprocessed oatmeal. We encourage you to prepare a healthy and creamy porridge at home. A bowl of porridge keeps you feeling full for longer, so you’re less likely to snack or overeat for the rest of the day.
The oatmeal releases its energy more slowly, so that the feeling of satiety lasts longer
Tips and tricks for a perfect creamy porridge
We’ve all seen a porridge go wrong. Too little water and porridge will be thicker and stickier than wallpaper paste. Too much and it becomes a runny, unappetizing mass. The perfect porridge consistency should be creamy, with a smooth, thick base that holds the oats together. Here you will learn how to prepare the best creamy and healthy porridge.
You can soak your oatmeal overnight to reduce cooking time
#Soak your oats
Firstly, it shortens the cooking time in the morning. Second, soaking makes the oatmeal easier to digest by breaking down the starch and reducing the phytic acid layer — which often causes bloating. Breaking down this layer also makes it easier for the body to absorb the vitamins and minerals from the oats, allowing you to get the most out of your breakfast!
Soaking is an absolute must to ensure the perfect consistency
#Add the right amount of water or milk to the porridge
The key to cooking a creamy, delicious porridge is getting the milk to water ratio right. Too much milk will make your oatmeal stickier and thicker. If you don’t use milk at all, the porridge will lack the creamy taste. Of course, you don’t have to use milk at all if you don’t want to. Water or milk alternatives are fine too, but your porridge won’t be as creamy or have that creamy texture.
Alternatively, you can use milk for your porridge
If using oatmeal, double the amount of liquid per oat. If a serving is 1/2 cup of oatmeal, mix in 1 cup of water and a sip of milk. You can play with the ratio of water and milk to the oatmeal as long as you add double the amount of liquid: the longer your porridge needs to cook, the more liquid you need to make sure your porridge doesn’t dry out.
It is important that the porridge has a creamy consistency
#Keep stirring
Thoroughly stirring the porridge is key to breaking down the oats. In Scotland, special pointed spoons (called spurtles) are often used for this. As long as you make sure you don’t neglect your porridge, it will turn out creamy and lump-free.
It is important that the stirring does not stop
#Know your oats
Jumbo oats (or rolled oats) cook faster and give a chunky texture. Simply referred to as porridge oats, oats are steel cut rather than rolled and steamed, resulting in more of a creamy porridge. Which variant you choose is of course a matter of personal preference, but it’s handy to know!
There are many different types of oats on the market
#Vary up your ingredients
While not traditional, adding other grains like barley, rye, or quinoa flakes to oatmeal can provide additional flavor, texture, and health benefits. Also experiment with different types of milk for your porridge, e.g. B. Almond or coconut milk. Cream is another option, or mashed bananas can give you the creaminess without being decadent. Adding chia seeds will make your porridge thicker and you’ll get all the health benefits!
Toppings are very personal – you can use salty or sweet toppings
How do you cook creamy porridge?
You’re probably thinking, “I already know how oatmeal is cooked” – but there are a few little things you may not know that can make your porridge perfect!
#Boil the oats
Cook the oatmeal on medium-high until it starts to boil. This usually takes about 3 minutes. At this point, the oatmeal is cooked through. However, the oatmeal still looks watery and is not thick or creamy.
Soaking the oatmeal allows you to cook it faster
#Let the oatmeal continue to cook over low heat
While most oatmeal packages say 3-4 minutes to cook the oatmeal, oatmeal takes a little longer. Once the oatmeal starts to cook, turn the heat down to low and let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. Be sure to stand by the stove to stir them. The oatmeal will thicken quickly and burn on the bottom of the pan if not stirred.
Healthy and easy, porridge is a popular meal
#Let them get creamy
The only way to get a creamy porridge is to cook the oatmeal for at least 8 minutes. This gives the oat grains enough time to dissolve and distribute their starch. That makes the oatmeal creamy! As you stir the oatmeal, you can watch the oatmeal gradually becoming thicker and creamier.
With simple steps you can prepare delicious and creamy porridge
How do you make oatmeal not so boring?
#Bring flavor to your porridge
Be sure to add salt and cinnamon to your oatmeal – at least ¼ teaspoon. A pinch of salt might seem counterproductive on a sweet breakfast, but it really brings out the flavor of the oatmeal. Another key factor in adding “spice” to the oatmeal is a dash of vanilla or almond extract. Finally, cook a dollop of peanut or other nut butter into the oatmeal. This way the oat flakes are naturally creamy and have a strong nutty taste!
Spices are porridge’s best friend
#Sweeten your creamy porridge naturally
There are so many ways to sweeten oatmeal without sugar. Banana puree is a great sweetener and adds tons of flavor to the oatmeal—think banana bread oatmeal! Applesauce, mashed dates, mashed dried figs, and date syrup are also good choices. You can also sweeten the oatmeal with a little honey or a few drops of liquid stevia.
You can experiment with the additives in your porridge
#Turn the porridge into a virtuoso meal
Banana puree, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, flavored protein powder, peanut butter, almond butter, plant-based milk, coffee powder, matcha powder… there are endless ways to enhance porridge meals. However, the list above is just a few of our favorite ingredients that we always include in our oatmeal recipes. If you’re looking for an alternative recipe, check out our Lightning Fast Porridge Recipes.
You can make porridge for dinner and not just for breakfast
