Porridge is an easy breakfast that’s made by cooking oats with milk, water or a mixture of the two. It’s traditionally cooked on the stove, and some older recipes even use a spurtle (a wooden tool used to stir the porridge). It’s now commonly prepared in the microwave with similar creamy results.
Porridge can be easily adapted to suit your tastes. Add honey, peanut butter, or a swirl of jam for a sweet breakfast. You can also top it with fresh fruit and seeds.
It’s really a matter of personal taste. The texture of jumbo or rolled oatmeal will be chunky, while porridge oats are usually medium-ground oatmeal that has a smooth, fine surface. You can use almond milk, cows, or rolled oats as a liquid.
Porridge is good for you.
Porridge, and especially porridge made with whole oats, is a nutritious breakfast option. Oats are known to reduce blood pressure and bad cholesterol and provide slow-release energy. They’re also a good source of minerals, vitamins, and fiber.
Porridge made with oats
Porridge ingredients
- 50g porridge oats
- 350ml of milk, water, or a combination thereof
- Fruit or honey to be served
How to cook porridge in the microwave
1. Pour the porridge oats into a pan, add the milk or water, and sprinkle with salt. Bring the porridge oats to a boil, then simmer for 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally and watch closely to make sure it doesn’t burn.
. Pour the porridge into bowls, and if desired, top it with honey or fruit.
How to cook porridge using the microwave
1. In a large bowl that can be microwaved, combine the porridge oats with milk or water and add a pinch of sea salt. Microwave on high for five minutes, stirring halfway through. Let stand for two minutes before eating.
2. Try nuts, dried fruits, or peanut butter on banana slices.
Porridge cooked in different ways
It is also popular to bake porridge. You need to mix all of the ingredients and then transfer them into the oven. Try our baked banana porridge.
You can easily make delicious porridge in your slow cooker. You can prepare the ingredients the night before and enjoy a delightful breakfast in the morning. This method works best with jumbo, robust oats.
Bircher can be a great alternative to porridge if you’re not in the mood for something hot or eat on the go. The jumbo oatmeal will take about 5 minutes to prepare, and the juice is soaked into the oats. However, if you want to make a large batch, the porridge can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. Add chia seeds to the mix if you want it to be even more nutritious.
Porridge toppings, additions, and more
- Give your porridge instant pizzazz by adding simple flavors. Nut butters such as hazelnut, almond, or cashew give porridge an extra depth. Stir vigorously to break up any clumps. Spice it up with cinnamon, nutmeg, mixed spice, or vanilla extract. You can also add creamed coconut, desiccated or creamed coconut, or even a little jam.
- If you want a sweet drizzle, then use honey, maple, or agave syrup. You can also add sugar granules either before cooking or after.
Our favourite porridge toppings
- You can customize your porridge in many ways. You can keep it simple by adding a drizzle of honey. Choose seasonal fruits. Here are some of our favorite ideas.
Compote
- Make a sweet and comforting compote with whatever fruit you have in your bowl. Apples, blueberries, and plums are all good – stew them with some sugar or syrup.
Fruit
- We love to sprinkle bananas, pear, blueberries, and grated apples over warm porridge. Top oats liberally with coconut yogurt, coconut shavings, and lime juice.
Granola
- Porridge with granola and cinnamon is a great way to get two breakfasts for one price. Oats, cinnamon, raisins, and honey-soaked prunes are sprinkled on top of the porridge.
Nuts
- The silkiness of the porridge adds to its appeal, but adding some texture gives it a whole new dimension. You can use any nut you like – hazelnuts are great, as well as pecans, Brazil nuts, and walnuts.
- Add a touch of luxury to your porridge with plums poached in vanilla and almond flakes. Add a drizzle of almond butter to the top for ultimate satisfaction.
Vegetables
- Who would have thought that vegetables could be added to porridge? Try this Maple squash, Bacon, and blueberry Porridge Topper to make a filling breakfast. The caramelized butternut squash balances the Bacon and blueberries.
Nutritious boosters
- Seeds are a great source of vitamins and add crunch to your morning bowl. If you are out of fresh fruits, try linseeds or sunflower seeds. You can also add goji or dried fruit. Add a little spice with cinnamon, which has many benefits.