Chocolate porridge | Jamie Oliver breakfast recipes (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between porridge and oatmeal? ›

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).

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.

Steel cut oats are the least processed form of oat cereal and when cooked have a nutty flavour with a good texture. They taste great as porridge or can be used in home baking. Stoneground oatmeal is made from oat groats that have been ground into small flat pieces.

Now that you better understand the difference between porridge and oatmeal, you can decide which dish best suits your lifestyle. Though porridge may offer a wider variety of flavor options, oatmeal is loaded with nutritious and filling ingredients that make it an excellent morning meal.

It is known as simply "porridge" or, more commonly in the United States and Canada, "oatmeal". In the US, oat and wheat porridge can both be called "hot cereal". Rolled oats are commonly used in England, oatmeal in Scotland and steel-cut oats in Ireland.

1. Porridge. Porridge is our top choice for a heart-healthy breakfast, made with low-fat milk or water. All porridge oats are wholegrains and they contain a soluble fibre called beta-glucan, which can help lower your cholesterol level if you have 3g or more daily, as part of a healthy diet.

Making oatmeal a regular part of your menu can potentially lower your disease risk, help your gut health thrive, make bowel movements easier and keep you feeling fuller for longer. If you're ready to start your morning with a bowl of oats, try our Cinnamon-Roll Overnight Oats.

Best porridge consistency

Too much, and porridge becomes a runny, unappetising mess. The perfect porridge consistency should be creamy, with a smooth, thick base that holds the oats together. Cooked porridge should have just a little al dente bite. Not too chewy, not too soft or bland.

Porridge can be made with milk or water, it just depends on what you prefer. Using water will lower the calories in the dish, while milk will make it creamier. We like to use both for the perfect consistency and taste.

Why do Scots put salt in porridge? ›

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!

One of the most commonly eaten types of porridge is oatmeal, which has its roots in Scotland centuries ago. The Scots were some of the first people to eat cooked oats in a way that is similar to modern bowls of oatmeal. The English, meanwhile, primarily fed oats to horses.

Old Fashioned: Also called rolled oats, old fashioned oats are flat and flakey. They absorb more water and cook faster than steel-cut oats — usually in about 5 minutes — and are the oat of choice for granola bars, cookies, and muffins.

Simple tip #1: Make oatmeal with milk (or a non-dairy alternative) versus water. Not only does oatmeal made with water taste way less delicious, but you're also missing out on the extra protein staying power that milk will add to the breakfast. Water will also make the oats more gummy instead of creamy.

1) Slow, even cooking is required, so porridge must be made in a pan; please no microwaves that can create uneven heat spots. 2) Stir continuously for up to 10 minutes, watching for the texture to become thick, but still pourable (spurtles at the ready).

A bowl of soaked oats in the morning will support you in feeling full and satisfied. According to research, people who eat porridge for breakfast feel fuller for longer and consume fewer calories at lunch. Soaked oats improve oat digestibility and allow nutrients in the grain to be more easily absorbed by your body.