This recipe for porridge with nuts and berries is juuust right!
When I hear the word porridge, I always think of the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. You know the one. A little girl with golden curls wanders into a house in the woods, and there are three of everything, including bowls of porridge. She tries one bowl, and it’s too hot. She tries the second bowl, and it’s too cold. The third bowl, however, is what she describes as “Juuust right.” Unfortunately for the girl, the house belongs to three bears, and when they come home to her eating all their food… well, I won’t spoil it.
Anyhoo, when I was a small girl with golden curls myself, I was obsessed with the idea of porridge. It sounded so delectable! When I found out that it was essentially just oatmeal, I was super bummed. Not because it wasn’t tasty but just because I had high expectations as a first grader. Still, I would always make my own oatmeal before school or on an early weekend morning, and pretend I was Goldilocks, unknowingly munching away on Baby Bear’s porridge.
Now that I’m grown up, I still love a good bowl of porridge. It’s an easy and universally loved dish that’s usually made of rolled oats and milk, and other mix-in ingredients like brown sugar, cinnamon, or butter. (Porridge can also be made of other grains and cereals, BTW. Oatmeal is just one kind of porridge!) No matter how you make it, the result is a creamy and light breakfast with lots of room for customization. Some like their porridge savory, while others, like myself, treat it as a sweet breakfast dish and top it with fresh fruits.
Is Porridge Healthy?
Porridge is a healthy choice for breakfast because rolled oats are rich in fiber, which can help with digestion and weight management. You can also increase the nutritional value of your porridge by adding protein powder, fruits, and other healthy toppings and mix-ins. Porridge is totally customizable to your diet — you can even make it with your favorite non-dairy milk to enjoy a vegan version of the dish.
Porridge Three Ways
In the spirit of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and since porridge is such a versatile dish, I thought I’d inspire you with three different ways to enjoy your bowl!
The first way is the way I like to make my own porridge. I add brown sugar and cinnamon, as this recipe suggests, then I top it with sliced bananas, finely chopped nuts (usually walnuts or pecans), and a drizzle of nut butter.
The second way is inspired by the autumn season and all things pumpkin spice! It’s a take on pumpkin protein oatmeal. Add a small scoop of pumpkin purée, some pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup to your porridge for a flavor you’ll fall for.
The third way is a more savory take on a traditional porridge dish. Instead of adding brown sugar and cinnamon, try adding roasted garlic to your porridge mixture. Top with an egg cooked to your liking, spinach, and other savory veggies like tomatoes.
How to make ahead and store
You can store porridge in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove until piping hot, adding more liquid if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
However you take your porridge, it’s going to make for a delicious breakfast! Serve it with sides like turkey bacon, cabbage and sausage, and poached eggs. Whatever you decide to do with your porridge, I’m sure it’ll taste juuust right!
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup fresh berries
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add oats, milk, and salt, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Serve hot in bowls topped with fresh berries and optional chopped nuts.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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