Porridge oats are one thing in life that I could not live without. Packed with nutrients, this healthy bowl of goodness can keep me going until lunch time.
There's more to a good bowl of porridge than first meets the eye. Oats and water shoved in the microwave just won't cut it. But, prepare them right and you've found yourself a food staple for life.
Below are some top tips on how to transform a simple breakfast into something you'll be craving from the moment you wake up. There'll be no more hitting the snooze button in the morning when you've got this to look forward to.
For the perfect porridge:
Firstly, the effort you put in will likely correlate with the joy you get out. Porridge is made up of two main ingredients: oats and a liquid agent, which can be either water or milk. However, to enhance this creamy bowl of goodness, I recommend branching beyond these two staples, with creative toppings that will take your porridge to the next level.
The Oats
The number of oat options available might come as a surprise when passing by the breakfast aisle of the supermarket. My main recommendation is to stick with plain oats. Pre-packaged flavored oats are packed with sugar, and often come at a higher price.
There are two main types of oats: rolled and steel-cut. For rolled oats, the whole grains are steamed and pressed flat with steam rollers. There are three variations of these oats: old-fashioned, quick-cooking and instant. Of these my personal preference is old-fashioned oats, as they are slightly larger, giving the porridge a more full and creamy texture. In some supermarkets, they are packaged as 'Jumbo Oats', so look out for either variation.
Steel-cut oats, sometimes referred to as Irish or Scottish oats, are not rolled but instead steel blades slice them into coarse nubs, making them smaller in appearance. They are less processed than rolled oats and more chewy in texture. They absorb less water and take slightly longer to prepare.
Milk or Water
As an oat milk enthusiast, my fridge is rarely stocked with cow milk. I used to opt for almond milk in my porridge which worked well and I used a 2:1 ratio of milk to oats. Yet, recently I've just been using water and have been surprised with the results.
So long as you prepare the mixture correctly, preparing it on the hob (I use gas mark 7) and stirring frequently, you can achieve the same thick creamy texture even when using water. This can be a good option if you're looking to lower your calorie intake, or if you find that you're out of milk. I use around 1/2 cup of oats and 1 cup of water, although often predict the ratio by eye, sometimes using slightly less water than is recommended as I enjoy a thicker, more stodgy texture. A lot of the preparation comes down to personal preference, and it's worth experimenting to figure out what works best for you.
Toppings & Fillings
I love a hearty bowl of porridge, and in my opinion it wouldn't be the same without the various additions that I include in my concoction.
My number 1 recommendation is mashed banana. I add this to the mixture while it is cooking on the hob, and the natural sugars from the fruit add to the sweetness of the porridge and increase its creamy texture.
I also like to add raisins while its in the hob, which swell up as they are heated and become especially juicy. Other ingredients that work well include frozen fruit (I use blueberries) or seeds like chia seeds or flaxseeds, which give it an extra nutritional kick.
In terms of toppings, peanut butter is my personal favourite as it compliments the mashed banana and results in a wholesome tasting bowl. I also like to add a spoon of Skyr yoghurt, as it heightens the creaminess of the porridge and creates a delicious combination.
Obviously, fillings and toppings are personal preference, so I'd recommend being creative and trying a few things out to find out what works best for you.
The Verdict
Porridge definitely doesn't have to be boring or plain, and there's a reason that some people swear by starting the day with a big bowl of oats. It keeps you full and satisfied, as well as offering great nutritional value, contributing to a well balanced diet. As someone who exercises frequently, this staple is vital in keeping me well-fuelled throughout the day and tops up any depleted energy reserves I might have used up in a morning workout. For such a simple grain, oats are a high reward food source, so give them a try and before long you'll be hooked.
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