The Veg Space has a great post on how to make 4 simple porridge recipes (apple, raisin cinnamon, coffee walnut and cherry chocolate), using rolled oats, dairy-free milk and maple syrup.
Keep recipes away from children (due to nuts and seeds) and pets (for the same reason – nutmeg, chocolate and dried fruits are also toxic). Read more on keeping people & pets safe in the kitchen.
Oats are the foundation of your porridge, and choosing the right type can make all the difference. There are several kinds to consider:
- Rolled Oats: These are oats that have been steamed and flattened. They cook fairly quickly and result in a smooth, creamy texture. Perfect for those mornings when you have a bit more time to savour your breakfast.
- Steel-Cut Oats: Also known as Irish oats, these are less processed and look like small pellets. They take longer to cook but offer a hearty, chewy texture that can be quite satisfying.
- Instant Oats: These are pre-cooked, dried, and cut into smaller pieces. They cook in a snap, ideal for busy mornings, but often lack the depth of flavour found in less processed oats.
Liquid Options for Creamy Porridge
- Water: The simplest option, water lets the oats’ natural flavour shine. It’s a good choice if you’re keeping an eye on calories.
- Milk: Using oat drink will add richness and creaminess. It’s a classic choice that pairs well with sweet toppings.
- Nut Drinks: Almond or cashew drinks are also great dairy-free alternatives. They add their own distinct flavour notes and a touch of creaminess without the dairy.
Cooking Techniques
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- Combine oats and your choice of liquid in a pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer.
- Stir occasionally until the desired consistency is achieved, typically 10-20 minutes for rolled oats.
Enhancing Flavour and Nutrition
If you’re in need of some spice, cinnamon and nutmeg are great additions. Keep away from pets, nutmeg/mace is toxic to them. These warming spices not only boost flavour but they offer health benefits too, such as regulating blood sugar levels and improving digestion.
- Fruits: Fresh berries, sliced banana, or baked apple chunks each bring a burst of freshness.
- Nuts: A handful of almonds or walnuts adds the satisfying crunch.
- Seeds: Flaxseeds increase the fibre content and lend a pleasant, nutty taste.
- Yoghurt: A dollop provides creaminess and a slight tang, complementing the richness of the oats.
Health Benefits of Porridge
Porridge, made from oats, is a champion for heart health. How, you ask? It’s the fibre. Oats contain a special type of soluble fibre called beta-glucan. This fibre helps reduce bad cholesterol levels without touching the good stuff. Imagine beta-glucan as a scrubbing cloth, cleaning your arterial walls and keeping your heart happy and healthy.
And there’s more. Studies suggest that those who eat oats regularly have lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of heart disease. So, when you ponder how to make porridge, remember you’re also crafting a heart-friendly meal.
Ever felt like a snack soon after breakfast? With porridge, there’s no need to worry about mid-morning munchies. Why? It’s all about the glycemic index (GI). Oats have a low GI, meaning they release energy slowly over time. It’s like having a steady drip of coffee to keep you active rather than a single caffeine jolt.
This gradual energy release helps maintain blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full and energised longer. So, while microwave porridge sachets might be convenient, they can spike blood sugar levels — stick to the classic method for a sustained energy boost.
- Creamy and Smooth: For a creamy texture, aim for a 2:1 ratio of liquid to oats. This means two cups of water or oat drink for every cup of oats. Stir as it cooks to help release the starches and create that beautiful creaminess.
- Thicker and Hearty: Prefer your porridge thick enough to stand a spoon in? Try a 1.5:1 ratio. This will give you a more robust texture that holds its shape.
Packs of ready-made (vegan) Overnight Oats
Overnight oats is a popular breakfast. You can make them yourself. But if you prefer a ready-made instant cereal, then Grain Up is a good company to stock up on. You can recycle the packaging at kerbside or at supermarket bag bins.
All you do is add 100 of cold or hot plant milk to 65of oats, stir, cover and leave for 5 minutes. Stir again and enjoy a heart-healthy tasty breakfast, that will also fill you up till lunchtime. You can adjust the servings for a thicker consistency. Then chill overnight (or for at least 2 hours) and stir before eating. Eat within 24 hours.
Choose from 5 flavours:
- Coconut
- Nutty Almond
- Banana Bread
- Berry Chia
- Choconut Brownie
All packs are made with natural ingredients including gluten-free oats alongside flavours (cinnamon, freeze-dried fruit powders, pea protein, date powder and chia seeds.
You can buy one flavour only or starter bundles to try each flavour out. And once you know what you like, you can take out a regular subscription for up to 25% off each order.
