What Makes the Perfect Porridge?
When the weather gets chillier, hemlines get longer and any number of layers fewer than two is just simply not enough, comfort food is a must on the menu to keep us going throughout the colder months. One dish in particular is particularly cherished — in fact 837 million bowls of it is eaten by us Brits during just autumn and winter every year. Of course, we’re talking about porridge. Wonderfully warming and oh-so easy to make, porridge is a breakfast of champions that we’ve been enjoying practically since the beginning of time (okay, that’s not strictly true but it’s definitely been a while!).
But how do you make sure your porridge is the best bowlful it can possibly be? Do you know your groats from your grains? Do you know the answer to the age-old question: to soak or not to soak? Fear no more, humble porridge apprentices — we’ve got all the answers…
Notes on Oats
Head to the cereal aisle of your nearest supermarket and you’ll find endless options for oats that could baffle even the most seasoned of breakfasters. There are jumbo oats, instant oats, pinhead oats and medium grain oats — all producing a slightly different taste and texture. Depending on your preference, jumbo to pinhead range from coarse with a bit of bite to soft and satisfyingly smooth. One thing that experts do agree (yes, there are porridge experts) is that instant oats are a no-no if you want to create a truly sublime bowlful. Instant oats are made by very thinly rolling the oat kernel (or groat) and steaming them for longer than usual. Not only does this make for a more gloopy texture, most of the nutrients are strained from the oats this way. Of course, the benefit of is instant oats is that they cook more quickly, but when chasing perfection, the end result is well worth the wait.
Milk or Water?
A question that has divided the nations. Scots believe that porridge should traditionally contain nothing more than oats, water and salt, but many of us turn to the creamier temptation of a good slug of milk. Those in the water camp argue that milk makes the porridge too rich and thick, whereas the opposite party claim that water is just too runny. We have an ingenious solution for you — experts believe (yes, them again) that a mixture of both is the ideal compromise to achieve texture perfection. A 1:2 ratio of milk to water should give you exactly what you want. Soaking the oats in yoghurt overnight will make them easier to cook, softer and actually easier to digest due to the acids in the yoghurt.
Step away from the microwave
You probably saw this coming, but traditionalists would never put their porridge in the microwave, even though the promise of less washing up is very tempting. A pan and the hob is the best way to get a proper bowl of porridge — two pans if you’re wanting to go the extra mile. Toasting your oats gently in a frying pan before transferring them to a saucepan with its liquid to simmer adds a deliciously nutty flavour. For this flavour to develop, make sure you turn off the hob once its cooked and pop a lid on your pan to let it sit for five minutes before serving.
Can You Top These Toppings?
When it comes to how you flavour your porridge, this is definitely a case of each to their own. Whether you go for sweet or savoury, healthy or indulgent, crunchy or creamy, is completely up to you. To find out what gets us Joules staff up in the morning, we asked the teams at Head Office what their perfect bowl of porridge looks like…
“It goes one of two ways for me… either cinnamon, honey and walnuts finished with Greek yogurt, or alternatively peanut butter”
Peter, Studio Operations Manager
“Blueberries fried in olive oil so they go all mushy! With honey and toasted flaked almonds on top – delish!”
Olivia, Copywriter
“I like mine with dark chocolate chips stirred in so that they melt into the porridge and create some chocolaty goodness”
Beth, Wholesale Marketing Coordinator
“I add blackberries and chopped apples to my porridge. If the blackberries have been freshly picked that morning, even better!”
Lucy, Digital Content Manager
From all the weird and wonderful servings the Joules team prefer, one thing is very clear — the perfect bowl of porridge is whatever you want it to be! How do you have yours?
Bernice Jobling
10.01.2023 at 07:41Organic oats soaked in water overnight in the saucepan. Equal amount of milk added in the morning and cooked in the saucepan. Organic unsulphered apricots prunes and goji berries soaked overnight and cut up into the bowls. Bring gently to the boil and enjoy! Sometimes we add blueberries and sliced banana. Great start to the day!
Charlotte Scott
10.01.2023 at 08:11Loved this thank you!!
Diane Richardson
10.01.2023 at 09:20Thank you for the porridge post. I have really enjoyed the article and the humour. I will have a go with the oat minefield now I am better informed.
Who knew a click on Joules clothing could entice you to try a different breakfast!
Cheryl Pearson
10.01.2023 at 10:33It’s a 3:1 split milk to water for me with finely sliced dried apricots and chopped apple, 4 minutes in the micro and topped with berries and a drizzle of honey… at Christmas a dollop of brandy butter too… mmm!
Tina downing
10.01.2023 at 13:13Desert spoon of golden syrup and a swirl of single cream
Linda Smith
10.01.2023 at 16:37I love my porridge with a Banana on top drissle of honey and walnuts so nice linda
Sarah Brooklyn
11.01.2023 at 20:59Made entirely with milk, cooked on the stove. Then add chia, sesame, sunflower and linseeds.
Rose Forrester
12.01.2023 at 08:55🌹I’m Scottish, firstly I mix 2 teaspoon of Cumin and cinnamon and a little salt and pepper with the oats, soak this overnight in full cream milk. In the morning it will be thick, so thin it with water, either cook it in the microwave or stove top. Add prunes or any kind of fruit you prefer. Works for me and my husband!
Jakki Sawford
12.01.2023 at 10:53Has to be jumbo oats, has to be milk (not fussy about which type of milk) then either peanut butter (crunchy obvs) and a drizzle of maple surup; or at this time of year, why not crumble on a bit of left over Christmas cake! 😋