How to Make Porridge: Simple Whole-Grain Porridge Recipe
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Aug 24, 2022 • 1 min read
Learn about the different types of porridge eaten around the world, then make your own with an easy recipe for a whole grain version.
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What Is Porridge?
Porridge is a breakfast dish made by boiling grains, seeds, or legumes until very soft. There's no one way to make the perfect porridge: It can feature one grain or many, in whole or ground form. You can cook your porridge low and slow until the grains form a creamy mush, or take it off the heat earlier for a slightly chewy texture. A very thin, drinkable porridge is sometimes called gruel. The similar-sounding word “pottage” actually refers to a savory stew.
7 Types of Porridge
Porridge is enjoyed all around the world. Some of the most famous types of porridge include:
- 1. Congee: Chinese rice porridge
- 2. Kasha: Russian buckwheat porridge
- 3. Polenta: Italian cornmeal porridge
- 4. Uji wa wimbi: Kenyan millet porridge
- 5. Pop: Caribbean cornmeal porridge
- 6. Kaffegraut: Norwegian semolina porridge
- 7. Jowar aambil: Indian sorghum porridge
Porridge vs. Oatmeal: What’s the Difference?
Oatmeal is a type of porridge made with oat groats that have been steamed and flattened (rolled oats) or cut into smaller pieces (steel-cut oats). Although both types of oats are whole grains, rolled oats have a shorter cooking time. Instant oats have been pre-cooked so that all they need is a splash of boiling water to rehydrate.
Simple Gluten-Free Porridge Recipe
makes
prep time
5 mintotal time
50 mincook time
45 minIngredients
- 1
In a small saucepan, combine 2½ cups water with a generous pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Add quinoa, brown rice, amaranth, and millet, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until grains are tender, about 45 minutes. If the pan starts to dry out before the grains are tender, add a splash of water.
- 2
To serve, spoon porridge into a bowl and top with maple syrup, a splash or milk, and a pat of butter.
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