Oats Porridge Recipe | Oatmeal Porridge
Oatmeal Porridge is a delicious breakfast staple that is easy and quick to prepare. And it is fantastic to customize! Make it with water or milk or a combination of both and with either quick cooking oats or rolled oats (old fashioned oats). Here I share my favorite no fail Oats Porridge recipe with step-by-step photos.
oats porridge topped with raisins and nuts in a blue rimmed white bowl with a spoon inside.
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About Oats Porridge
Oatmeal Porridge is a traditional breakfast dish that’s enjoyed in many different form around the world. Wonderfully hearty oats are simmered with water or milk until thick and creamy for a satisfying morning meal that keeps you full for hours.
In India we call this Oats Porridge; in the UK it’s simply known as Porridge – and in the US it’s called Oatmeal. But the ingredients and cooking methods are all basically the same!
This classic oatmeal porridge recipe only takes about 5 minutes to make with quick-cooking and 10 minutes with rolled oats. It’s terrific to customize with your preference of water and/or milk, and top with nearly any sweet goodies you like.
Adults and kids alike love cuddling up with warm bowls loaded with their favorite toppings! Give this family-friendly recipe a try and I’m sure it will become your new go-to breakfast recipe for busy weekdays.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to Make Oats Porridge
1. First, add ½ cup quick-cooking oats or rolled oats in a pan.
Note: When buying oats or oats products for babies, be sure to check the contents label on the pack. It should only list oats and no other flavorings or additional ingredients.
quick cooking oats in pan.
2. Add 1 cup of water.
water and oats in pan.
3. Then add ½ cup milk or as needed. You can also add more water for a dairy-free recipe.
Consistency can be easily adjusted as per your requirements. ½ cup milk gives a slightly thick consistency. For a thinner consistency, you can add more milk or water.
Note that the water or milk can be added less or more depending on the type and brand of oats. So do also read the instructions on the packet.
adding milk to the pan.
4. Add sugar as per taste. I just added 2 tablespoons raw sugar or white sugar. Sugar is completely optional. If adding fruits later, then you can skip sugar.
If adding honey, then add when the porridge becomes lukewarm or cools down at room temperature, as honey when heated becomes toxic.
adding sugar to the pan.
5. Stir very well as you heat the oats porridge mixture on low to medium heat.
cooking oatmeal porridge in pan.
6. Bring the oatmeal porridge to a gentle simmer as you continue to stir frequently.
oatmeal porridge cooked and thickened in pan.
7. The porridge will thicken as it cooks. Continue to cook for a total of 5 to 6 minutes (if you have used quick cooking oats) or until it reaches the consistency you like.
For rolled oats, cook for 10 to 12 minutes on low to medium heat. If the consistency is too thick for you add some more water or milk
oatmeal porridge in pan.
8. Turn off heat when the and the oats have softened well and you get the preferred consistency.
Serve Oats Porridge hot or warm or at room temperature. Keep in mind that the Oatmeal Porridge will thicken as it cools.
oatmeal porridge topped with raisins and nuts in a blue rimmed white bowl.
FAQs
How can I make oatmeal porridge for young toddlers and babies?
You need to powder the oats in a spice grinder or food processor before cooking. Also, avoid adding dried fruit or nuts and sugar. Instead I suggest you add a bit of fruit puree, like mango or banana.
Can oats porridge be made with milk instead of water?
Yes, you can substitute milk for water in this recipe. Or even use a 50/50 combination of milk and water. However, if you plan to add fruit to the dish I recommend not using milk as the combination of dairy and fruit is not advised per Ayurveda.
What add ins and garnishes can you include in oat porridge?
Let the cooked oatmeal cool slightly before adding chopped dry fruits, fresh fruits, nuts, or a little bit of each. You can also add honey once the oatmeal cools down a bit.
Can this oatmeal porridge recipe be doubled or tripled?
Absolutely. As-is this recipe yields 2 servings. Simply double or triple the ingredients and prepare in a larger pot to make as many servings as you need.
How long do leftovers last?
Homemade oats porridge is best when enjoyed right after it’s made. If it sits too long it will become gluey. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day if you need. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove by adding a bit of water or milk.
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