Chocolate porridge | Jamie Oliver breakfast recipes (2024)

FAQs

Should you put butter in porridge? ›

A girdle of very cold milk, or single cream on special occasions, is essential, (traditionally, it would be served in a separate bowl, to keep the oats hot and the milk cold), but a knob of butter, as suggested by Word of Mouth readers, while melting attractively into the oats, proves too greasy for my taste.

Adding water or milk to porridge

No milk at all and your porridge will lack that 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 but your porridge won't be as creamy just won't get that creamy texture.

In a container (jar type or other individual container), pour the oatmeal. Add the milk, the chia seeds (cocoa if the chocolate version), finish with the agave syrup according to your taste. Mix and put in the refrigerator overnight, to obtain the porridge the next day. Add the toppings of your choice and enjoy.

But the main difference between porridge and oatmeal is that porridge is made with a variety of whole grains, cereal or legumes, and oatmeal is made with oats (either rolled, flattened or ground).

Many people argue that it must be salt to give balance to the porridge and correct the flavour, while others favour sugar to sweeten it up. The argument for using salt is that it is a test of Scottishness and it is only the Sassenachs who would put sugar on their porridge!

The rule that porridge must be served in a wooden bowl, and stirred with a wooden rod called a 'Spurtle', is a common tradition. Another, less well-known tradition, dictates that the dish should be eaten standing up. To stand while eating this dish is believed to show a sign of respect for it.

The steps to perfect porridge. The best way to prepare your rolled oats is to soak them overnight in enough water to cover them (allow half a cup of oats per person). You could add some almonds to pre-soak with the oats. Soaking grains and nuts makes them easier to digest.

The term "porridge" is used in Britain and Ireland specifically for oatmeal. This is a hot mixture of oatmeal or oats slowly cooked with water or milk. It is typically eaten for breakfast by itself or with other ingredients, including salt, sugar, fruit, milk, cream, or butter.

More porridge is probably sweet and congee is more often savory, but there are plenty of traditional exceptions in both cases!

You'll get a good feel for healthy porridge toppings when you scroll through our favourite porridge recipes, but a few examples include: Fruits (berries, bananas, apples and plums – basically all of them) Nuts (see also: nut butter) Seeds.

Does porridge go bad overnight? ›

The porridge can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat the porridge in a microwave until piping hot and stir well before eating, again adding extra liquid if necessary.

Additionally, overnight oats retain more of their natural nutrients since they are not exposed to high heat during the cooking process. Cooked oats, on the other hand, have a higher glycemic index compared to overnight oats. This means they may cause a more rapid increase in blood sugar levels.

If you're looking for a healthy, sugar-free breakfast, porridge is an excellent choice. Its high fibre content helps keep you feeling fuller and more satisfied for longer, reducing the temptation for a sugar-loaded mid-morning snack.

Adding sautéed onions, vegetables, garlic, tofu, or meat to your oatmeal enhances the flavor. To make a creamier version you can cook with milk or throw in some cheese like feta or queso fresco at the end. For fats we like to add butter, coconut oil, nut oils, avocado oil, or olive oil.

Typically when I make porridge I would add some cinnamon to flavour, a mashed banana, some dried fruit (dates and raisins are my favourote!) for some natural sweetness and some nuts, seeds or nut butter for some healthy fats and a bit of crunch.

Not Adding Salt

Adding salt to your sweet oatmeal may sound like an oxymoron, but it does help the finished dish. "Salt really brings the flavor of oats to life so don't skip this step when cooking and don't wait [until] the oatmeal is done to just sprinkle it on top," says Michalcyzk.

Not only is oatmeal (porridge) a delicious breakfast food, but it's also very filling. Eating filling foods may help you eat fewer calories and lose weight. By delaying the time it takes your stomach to empty of food, the beta-glucan in oatmeal may increase your feeling of fullness.