The Basic Porridge Recipe
Ingredients :
1 cup of rolled oats (or other grains like quinoa, millet, or rice)
2 cups of water or milk (or a combination of both)
A pinch of salt
Optional : 1 tablespoon of sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar)
Instructions :
- Heat the Liquid : In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or milk to a boil. For creamier porridge, opt for milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. If you prefer a lighter, less creamy texture, stick to water or a 50-50 water and milk mixture.
- Add the Oats : Once the liquid starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and stir in the rolled oats. For a finer texture, you can use quick oats, but rolled oats will give your porridge more texture and bite.
- Simmer : Cook the oats over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how thick you like your porridge. If you prefer a thicker consistency, let it cook for a longer time.
- Season with Salt : About halfway through cooking, add a pinch of salt. This enhances the flavor of the porridge, even if you’re adding sweet ingredients later.
- Sweeten and Flavor : If you want a sweet porridge, add a tablespoon of sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar toward the end of the cooking process. You can also add vanilla extract or cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Serve : Once your porridge has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to sit for a minute before serving. This will thicken it slightly more and allow the flavors to meld together.