How to make the perfect porridge? 2 delicious recipes

For many, childhood memories of sticky, tasteless oatmeal don’t evoke the best associations, but those days are long gone – today social media is full of colorful oatmeal bowls, and their nutritional value is rarely questioned. However, Malsena technologist Rima Gerulaitienė assures that even the most delicious additives will not be spared if the wrong type of oatmeal is chosen.

“Today we can buy many different types of high-quality oats, which are grown here in Lithuania. As a result, this cereal is gaining popularity every year, and the selection is growing: from various types of flakes, oatmeal to chopped oats that have recently appeared on the shelves. At first glance, we didn’t notice much of a difference, but it really is! Different processing of oatmeal changes the cooking time (from one minute to twenty!), The amount of water required, and the texture and consistency of the porridge itself. Therefore, there is no suitable recipe for a perfect porridge, you have to clearly understand the differences between oats ”, says the specialist.

So what are they?

Chopped oats: when you have a little more time

Chopped oats are grains of oats that have been divided into three parts and have not been compressed or otherwise processed. According to R. Gerulaitienė, this species is still little known to Lithuanians, it has only now appeared on the store shelves, but in Western Europe it is highly valued for its exceptional texture and useful nutrients. This type of oat contains the most useful parts of the grain, bran and germ, and at the same time more fiber. They digest longer, which guarantees a feeling of satiety. Porridge from such cereals will suit and please those who like a firmer texture and have more time to prepare porridge.

“It is not necessary to soak the chopped oatmeal, but its cooking time is longer than that of normal flakes; it will take at least 15 to 20 minutes for these oat grains to absorb liquid and soften. Note that the proportion of liquid is also greater here: 1 part of oats requires 4 times more water (in a ratio of 1: 3 it will obtain a less creamy consistency) ”, says the technologist.

Oatmeal in all parts of the grain, when you want more texture.

Oats from all parts of the grain are prepared by steaming, pressing and drying the oats. These flakes also have a high nutritional value, but this processing method speeds up the final preparation of the porridge.

“Compared to chopped oatmeal, oat flakes from all parts of the grain boil faster: it will take 5-10 minutes. You can also prepare them in the microwave. The ratio of oats to water in all parts of the grain should be the following: 1 part oatmeal and 2 parts water. This porridge will be creamier than the chopped oatmeal porridge, but the texture will still be felt “, says the specialist.

Oatmeal is quick to make, when you’re in a rush.

Oatmeal from all parts of the grain for quick preparation is sometimes valued ambiguously, but differs from the usual only in that it is more crushed in the final preparation process.

“If you’re in a rush and only have a few minutes in the morning, I always say that quick oatmeal is better than no oatmeal. For a quick preparation of oatmeal, a minute in the microwave or a few minutes on the stove is enough. Furthermore, this porridge will be liked by those who like its creamy, smooth and silky consistency ”, says the specialist.

What needs a perfect porridge?

Whatever type of oatmeal you choose, the specialist invites you to pay attention to several important ways of its preparation:

1. Don’t overcook the porridge and read the directions on your oatmeal package. Also estimate the amount of water or liquid indicated. In this way you will avoid a bite or, on the contrary, a consistency more similar to an oatmeal soup.

2. Before cooking, try toasting the oatmeal for a rich nutty flavor and subtle sweetness. You can toast in a dry skillet or with a teaspoon of coconut oil.

3. To obtain the perfect consistency of the oats, it is recommended to pour the flakes only in the already boiled water.

4. Don’t forget salt, even when preparing sweet porridge: salt is an essential ingredient in any recipe.

2 colorful and delicious oatmeal porridge recipes

Gabrielė Žutautaitė, author of the porridge challenge and food blog “Breakfast”, together with technologist Rima Gerulaitienė, offers to try two different porridge recipes that will warm you up and make you happy even on the darkest mornings of autumn.

Chopped oatmeal with tahini and caramelized apples

This recipe will help to consume the apples accumulated at home, garnishing with the recently very popular sesame paste.

Porridge will need: 50 g of chopped whole oats, 200 ml of favorite milk, 1 tbsp. š. sesame pastes (tahini), 1 a. š. for maple syrup or honey, a pinch of salt, for decoration: toasted sesame seeds. Caramelized apples will need: 1 v. š. maple syrup or honey, 1 tbsp. š. butter, half an apple, a pinch of salt, cinnamon and cardamom.

Bring the milk to the boil in a saucepan, add the chopped oats and cook uncovered. After 10 minutes, add the sesame paste, add the selected sweetener, season with salt and cook for another 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, turn off the heat, cover the pot with a lid and let the porridge rest.

During that time, prepare the caramelized apples. Peel a pumpkin, grate it and cut it into small pieces. Melt the butter in a frying pan, add the apples, the chosen sweetener, the spices. Bake the apples, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes, sprinkle with a little salt after baking.

Serve: put the cooked porridge in a bowl, top with the caramelized apples. Finish it all off with toasted sesame seeds, for extra sweetness sprinkle with maple syrup or honey.

Whole oat yogurt with berry swirl

You can use the fresh raspberries or the frozen berries that are still available for this recipe.

Porridge will need: 1 a. š. butter, 60 g of whole oats, 150 ml of water, 3 tbsp. š. Greek yogurt, a pinch of salt and vanilla, maple syrup or honey (to taste), 1-2 v. š. favorite grated berries, optionally your favorite nuts or seeds.

Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the oats and toast them a little until the nutty aroma is released. Pour in water, add a pinch of salt, vanilla, if desired, your favorite sweetener. Do not cover the pot and let the porridge simmer for 3 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, cover with a lid, let it rest for another 2 minutes and only then add 2 v. š. Greek yogurt.

Serve: put the porridge in a bowl, spread the remaining tablespoon of Greek yogurt. Put your favorite grated berries in the yogurt and draw a swirl with a spoon. If the berries are not sweetened, don’t forget the maple syrup or honey, as well as sprinkle with your favorite nuts or seeds.