Classic Porridge

2013-07-10
  • Servings : 2-3
  • Prep Time : 5m
  • Cook Time : 5m
  • Ready In : 10m

My muesli-loving self needs something a little more warming in winter hence the move to a simple yet nourishing bowl of porridge for breakfast.  Made simply with oats and milk it helps fill me up and give me the energy to run after my busy little toddler.  My first bowl of porridge this winter was hijacked by George.   I was barely able to enjoy one mouthful before we were at his highchair with me spoon feeding him the rest.  From that day on we have been enjoying our porridge together in the mornings – his serve double the size of mine!

Note: I prefer the texture of traditional rolled oats rather than quick cooking oats and enjoy cooking it on the stovetop but sometimes I just don’t have the time so I have a simple shortcut to share with you too (see method for more).

Nutrition Note:  Porridge is high in carbohydrates and fibre, contains protein and when cooked with milk is a good source of calcium – all the elements of a great breakfast.  Beware of quick and instant oat varieties with added flavours, sugars and salt.  It is best to avoid these.  Instead stick with traditional/regular varieties and if you need to add flavour try fresh or stewed fruit, crushed nuts, a pinch of chia seeds or a tiny squeeze of honey.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup oats
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 1/2 cups milk

Method

Step 1

{STOVETOP VERSION}: Place the oats in a small saucepan and cover with boiling water. Allow to stand for 3 minutes or until the oats have softened and absorbed all the water. -

Step 2

Turn on the heat to medium-high, bring milk to the boil and cook, stirring often for 3-5 minutes. Serve into bowls and top with fresh or stewed fruits, cinnamon, crushed nuts, seeds or a little honey. -

Step 3

{CHEATS VERSION - serves 1}: Combine 1/3 cup of oats (approx 30g serve) with 2/3 cup of milk in a small bowl. Leave to soak overnight. If the oats appear dry in the morning, add a touch more milk then place in the microwave and cook for 2 minutes on high. Stir and enjoy. -

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Recipe Comments

  1. posted by Winnie on February 1, 2014

    Hi, I’m starting my baby girl on solids next month when she is six months old. Would it be ok to start her on the traditional rolled oats, or do you think she would find it easier to handle instant oats initially?

      Reply
  2. posted by Fran on March 31, 2014

    Which traditional oats brand would you recommend?

      Reply
    • posted by Jess on April 1, 2014

      Hi Fran,
      Most are fine to use. It is best to choose a locally produced product that is free from any preservatives or added salts. I hope that helps, Jx

        Reply
  3. posted by Eliza Watkins on June 12, 2021

    Well I have not finished cooking it year but I’m sure it will taste delicious 🤤

      Reply
  4. posted by Julie whiteman on November 13, 2021

    horrible burt peace of crap

      Reply
    • posted by JamJam on May 25, 2022

      I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you. I’ve always made my porridge with just water and stir it continuously on medium heat only until it’s thick. You can adjust the amount of water to your taste. My family have always added a pinch of salt which enhances the flavour. You can try adding some berries while it’s cooking to add flavour and make it pink. I hope you’ll try it again.

        Reply
  5. posted by Erin on February 26, 2022

    Love the stove top recipe! Works perfectly. Been using it for years

      Reply
  6. posted by Carl on February 11, 2024

    This method for cooking porridge is perfect!
    I was looking for a traditional, “old fashioned” way of preparing porridge, where cups and spoons were used as measures. Hardly anything was weighed and measured accurately using scales as it is today.
    I tried the stove top method; as that is always the best way to cook oates; and it turned out perfect, not too thick & sticky, not too runny.
    I recommend trying the “additions”. I added about half a teaspoon or so of cinnamon to the milk when it was in the pan, and although it seemed too much much to the eye, after mixing through it was just the right amount.
    If you have a sweet tooth like myself, add a small amount of honey to the porridge when in the dish, and stir through. About a teaspoon would be plenty, but again – sweeten to taste.
    I also added a few fresh raspberries for an extra burst of flavour and healthiness. They were particularly sharp, but very nice in the mix.
    I haven’t tried the microwave method yet, and probably won’t. I’m a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to making oates.
    Hope that you find this review helpful.

      Reply
  7. posted by Nicole on March 10, 2024

    Amazing, my porridge turned out perfect. This is a good recipe.
    Thank you so much

      Reply

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