When you think hearty and healthy breakfast, oatmeal is one of the first things that comes to mind. Whole grain oats come in many forms, and porridge oats is just one of the many types.
Time is of the essence, and a quick cooking porridge oats is a handy option to have. These oats take less time for cooking and make a smooth and creamy porridge.
Porridge oats are cut or crushed, not flattened. The whole oat kernel is split into small oat fragments that are inconsistent in size and shape. Porridge oats are occasionally called Scottish oats or Irish oats, based on their respective country of origin.
Porridge is eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner, there really is no time restraint. The oats are usually cooked in milk or water, but broth is occasionally used to make a savory style porridge.
In this article, we will provide detailed responses to every question you have about porridge oats. Continue reading to learn what they are made from, the difference between porridge oats and oatmeal, and also an easy porridge recipe for you to prepare in just a few minutes.
What are Porridge Oats Made From?
The Whole Grains Council provides no clear definition of porridge oats, which officially classifies them as “any grain of oat that is made into porridge.“ This explanation is clearly of no use to us and provides no details for following a recipe.
Porridge oatsare made from crushed or cut oat groats, the seed or kernel of the whole grain oat. The porridge texture is obtained from larger oat pieces, which are digested slower, minimize blood sugar spikes and keep you full for extended amounts of time.
When it comes to whole body attributes, the benefits of oats are far reaching. Not only are they a fantastic source of dietary fiber, but they can be cooked easily, quickly, are convenient to digest, and comprise several essential vitamins and minerals.
Recipe Idea
Oat porridge cooked with water provides dietary fiber, healthy fats, and plant based protein. It comprises of no sugar or salt.
On the other hand, oat porridge made from milk will enhance calorie content, fat, and protein with natural sugars within the milk.
Both milk and water-based porridge create a balanced and fulfilling breakfast. Its nutritional profile alters based on different oatmeal toppings like fruits, nuts, seeds, sweeteners, etc.
Here is an easy porridge oats recipe for two servings:
- In a medium size pot, boil 2 cups of water.
- Add a cup of porridge oats into the boiling water and consistently stir to avoid clumps.
- Reduce the heat to low and put in ¼ tsp salt or to taste.
- Simmer and stir occasionally.
- Cook 10-30 minutes depending on recommend instruction on the package for the type of porridge oats you are using.
- Serve this porridge with rich cream, milk, butter, or any additional oatmeal toppings you enjoy.
This is an easy recipe that prepares two servings.
These oats can be feasted with sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and topped with fruits, nuts, seed and a blend of spices like cinnamon, clove and nutmeg.
What is the Difference?
Oatmeal is always a porridge, but porridge is not always made from oatmeal. Porridge can be made from any type of grain, not only oats.
Oatmeal and porridge oats are well known as breakfast foods, it is convenient to mix them up. There are a few common differences that to make them distinguishable.
Porridge oats are served hot, while oatmeal is served either hot or cold. Ground oatmeal is assembled by eliminating the bran, while porridge oats are made from whole grain oats.
Oat groats can be transformed into different types of oats by either rolling, grinding, or crushing or cutting. The most common are steel cut oats, rolled oats and quick oats, but those are not the only kinds.
Oatmeal can be made into overnight oats, cooked over heat, or mixed into doughs and batters to make baked goods.. They could be coarse-cut, finely powdered oats or steamed and flattened into flakes.
While porridge oats are either cut or crushed into irregular shapes and sizes. It is a hot cereal that is cooked with milk or water and served hot.
Both oatmeal and porridge can be topped with flavorings you see fit. Porridge oats are not very different from oatmeal, but they are a kind of oats that a processed in a specific manner.
Check out this Oatmeal Vs Porridge post for more information!
Are Porridge Oats Healthier than Rolled Oats?
Porridge oats and rolled oats are healthy while porridge oats can be a bit more nutritious comparatively. Porridge oats are raw, while rolled oats have been steamed and flattened prior to packaging.
Porridge oats are crushed or cut resulting in a creamier consistency. They are heartier with a lower glycemic index that reduces blood sugar spikes.
Rolled oats take less time to cook as they are flat and absorb liquid quickly.
Some associated health benefits of porridge oats are:
- High in fiber. They are less processed and comprise of higher fiber content (in slight) as compared to other oat types. It is beneficial for the digestive system, promotes good gut bacteria, and promotes positive bowel movement.
- Low Glycemic index. The oats digest easily and absorb slowly without any abrupt spikes in blood sugar levels.
Uses
Porridge oats make a hearty and healthy breakfast. They are primarily consumed for their taste, nutritional benefits, and easy cooking without compromising the benefits of whole oats.
They provide the following nutritional uses:
- Well-balanced nutritional values.
- Rich source of soluble and insoluble fiber, including beta-glucan.
- Comprise more fat, fiber, and protein than most other whole grains.
- Rich in essential minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins.
- Contains avenanthramides, a nourishing antioxidant.
- Anti-irritation and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
- Shield LDL cholesterol from harming your body.
- Aids in weight loss by giving you a feeling of fullness.
Porridge oats are crushed or cut whole grain oats that cook quickly and easily. They have several health advantages and are best served when cooked with water, milk or broth and topped with flavorings you see fit.