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Crafting the Perfect Porridge

Whether you seek comfort, nutrition, or a budget-friendly breakfast, porridge is a great solution. The art of making porridge utilizing any grain is simple and easy using the steps below.

You can learn how to make porridge using any grain, and once you do–you should be able to prepare endless ways without a recipe!

Why Make Porridge for Breakfast?

1. Porridge is Comforting, Delicious & Versatile

Porridge is delicious depending on how you make and top it. There are so many different flavors and toppings to add to porridge. Keeping the flavors and toppings different allows for variation in your mornings. Of course, my kids have their favorite flavors and toppings and would probably eat the same porridge daily.

2. Porridge is a Healthy & Nutritious Breakfast

Porridge is not only comforting and delicious but also a nutrition powerhouse. Mixing grains when making porridge enhances fiber and vitamin content. Topping with nuts or homemade yogurt adds proteins and vitamins. The beauty of porridge is that you can use any grain you like. For more information and ideas about the nutritional content of various grains, look at The Whole Grain Council’s grain nutrient chart.

3. Porridge is Economical

Porridge is also a smart and economical choice for a wholesome breakfast. Our combination of grains offers an economical yet nutrient-dense breakfast option. Grains, readily available and affordable, make this porridge a cost-effective powerhouse of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

I use a 1:1:1 ratio of three grains of any variety. You can choose grains that are on sale or meet your budgeting needs.

How to Make Porridge Utilizing Any Grain

Porridge & Mixed Grains Flexibility

What makes this porridge truly special is its adaptability. Explore various grain combinations, incorporating seeds or other grains of your choice. Porridge is your canvas; use any grain to make it uniquely yours.

Here are some other porridge grains/combinations to try:

Various Combinations of Porridge Grains

1. Brown Rice, Quinoa, and Barley: A trifecta of nuttiness from brown rice, a slight crunch from quinoa, and the chewy sweetness of barley create a delightful texture and a balanced flavor profile in your morning porridge.
2. Farro, Amaranth, and Spelt: Farro adds a chewy bite, amaranth brings a hint of nuttiness, and spelt contributes a mild sweetness, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that make for a hearty and comforting porridge.
3. Wild Rice, Teff, and Rye: The wild rice offers a distinct chewiness, teff adds a subtle nuttiness, and rye contributes a hearty depth, resulting in a porridge with layers of flavor and a delightful combination of textures.
4. Sorghum, Bulgur, and Freekeh: The delicate pop of sorghum, the hearty bite of bulgur, and the smoky notes of freekeh create a porridge with a unique blend of textures and a rich, savory flavor that’s both satisfying and comforting.
5. Polenta (Corn Grits), Pearl Barley, and Oats: Creamy polenta, chewy pearl barley, and the comforting familiarity of oats produce a porridge with a smooth and luscious texture, complemented by the subtle sweetness of barley and oats.
6. White Rice, Red Quinoa, and Kamut: The fluffiness of white rice, the nutty crunch of red quinoa, and the hearty chewiness of Kamut come together for a porridge that’s both light and substantial, offering a diverse texture and a pleasant combination of flavors.

Gluten-Free Porridge Grains Options

Choose any combination of the below seeds or grains for gluten-free porridge options.

1. Quinoa: Nutty and fluffy, quinoa is a protein-rich grain that cooks quickly.
2. Oats: Known for their creamy texture and hearty flavor. Whether you choose old-fashioned, rolled oats, or steel-cut oats, they all provide a comforting and nutritious base for porridge.
3. Rice Varieties:
   • Brown Rice: Hearty and nutty, offering more fiber and nutrients than white rice.
   • Wild Rice: Earthy and slightly chewy, a nutritious option with a distinct flavor.
   • Red Rice: Nutty and slightly sweet, with a vibrant red color and firm texture.
   • Black/Purple Rice: Forbidden rice, also known as purple rice or black rice, is a striking and nutrient-rich variety that stands out with its deep, dark color and distinctive nutty flavor.
4. Buckwheat: Despite its name, buckwheat is gluten-free and adds a robust, earthy flavor. One of my favorite porridge grains!
5. Millet: Mild and slightly sweet, millet cooks up light and fluffy, making it a versatile choice.
6. Corn Grits/Polenta: Creamy and comforting, corn grits create a smooth and satisfying porridge.
7. Amaranth: Tiny but nutrient-dense, amaranth offers a slightly nutty flavor and a sticky texture.
8. Teff: Nutty and earthy, teff grains are tiny but packed with nutrients and a unique texture.
9. Sorghum: With a mild flavor and chewy texture, sorghum is a versatile gluten-free grain.
10. Rice Flakes: Similar to oatmeal in texture, rice flakes make a quick-cooking and gluten-free alternative.
11. Chia Seeds: When soaked, chia seeds form a gel-like texture, creating a pudding-like porridge.
12. Flaxseeds: Ground flaxseeds can be added to porridge for a nutritional boost and subtle nutty flavor.
13. Coconut Flour: While not a grain, coconut flour adds a tropical touch and gluten-free option to porridge.

Gluten-Free Combinations of Porridge Grains

1. Steel-Cut Oats, Millet, and Buckwheat: The creamy richness of steel-cut oats, the light fluffiness of millet, and the earthy robustness of buckwheat come together to offer a diverse and satisfying texture, complemented by a warm and comforting flavor.
2. Quinoa, Amaranth, and Buckwheat: This gluten-free trio combines the light and fluffy texture of quinoa, the nutty undertones of amaranth, and the robust earthiness of buckwheat for a porridge that’s both hearty and wholesome, catering to various dietary preferences.

Porridge Toppers – How to Make Porridge Grains Sing

Topping porridge grains takes them to a whole other level of deliciousness! Basic toppers like bananas, fresh fruit, brown sugar, or maple syrup are sensible and easy additions.

Here are some other suggestions to amp up your porridge creation:

Frozen Berries

Frozen berries add a burst of flavor and nutrition. Beyond the burst of sweetness and vibrancy, they’re a year-round convenience straight from your freezer. For kids, they not only add a delightful frozen treat but also cool down the porridge swiftly, preventing any burnt tongues.

Frozen berries like raspberries add a whimsical look to your finished dish. They pair well with vanilla extract or paste added into your porridge. Frozen blueberries and strawberries are also a nice addition. Blueberries pair well with cinnamon or cardamom. You could even try frozen peaches with some cream, but you’ll want to make sure the peaches are in small chunks or they won’t defrost as fast.

Nuts & Seeds

Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a delightful crunch, while sunflower or pumpkin seeds introduce nutty and earthy flavors. We love cinnamon sugar pecans scattered on top. For a burst crunch, consider chia seeds or flaxseeds. These additions amplify the texture and bring a nutritional protein punch.

Creamy Additions

A dollop of Greek yogurt imparts a rich and tangy flavor, while coconut milk brings a hint of tropical indulgence. Experiment with almond or cashew butter for a nutty undertone, or swirl in a spoonful of mascarpone for velvety smoothness. Even a drizzle of cream can turn regular porridge into a comforting bowl of decadence.

Savory Porridge Additions

Get creative–turn it into a savory delight by adding poached or fried eggs and avocados for a well-rounded and nutritious start to your day.

• Poached or fried eggs introduce a savory twist, their runny yolks mingling with the porridge for a delightful combination of flavors.
• A touch of hot sauce goes great with eggs and porridge.
• Avocado slices provide a creamy texture, while a sprinkle of feta or Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick.
• Salsa, beans, and cheese can turn this into a breakfast power bowl.
• Miso – could be incorporated in a variety of ways. To incorporate miso into porridge, whisk a small amount (about 1-2 teaspoons) of miso paste into the cooked porridge just before serving to preserve its delicate flavors and probiotics. Pair it with savory toppings like sautéed mushrooms, a soft-boiled egg, and scallions, or try a sweet-salty fusion with roasted nuts, fresh fruit, and a drizzle of miso caramel.
• Also, consider incorporating sautéed greens or roasted cherry tomatoes for a savory porridge adventure that transcends traditional boundaries.

Like with the miso suggestion, you can turn porridge from breakfast to dinner by adding a variety of savory elements like mushrooms, greens and even topping with some protein or cheese.

Learn How to Make Porridge Using Any Grain

A warm bowl of porridge is so comforting. It helps you slow down and take in your day with more mindfulness. Simple, nourishing, and endlessly customizable, porridge is a delightful way to start your day.

Embrace the warmth, savor the flavors, and make every breakfast a celebration of good health! Check out some of our other healthy breakfast recipes while you are here. And let us know if you try any of the above flavor combinations the next time you make porridge.