Porridge is one of those foods that so many people want to eat - it's packed full of goodness and supposedly delicious - but they just haven't a clue how to get it right. Well, we've been porridge eaters for years and after making many a bad bowl, we've learned a few tricks on how to get it just right. (Goldilocks, how are ya?!).
Flahavan's is always our porridge of choice. It's made from 100% natural wholegrain Irish oats; no added funny stuff, and when it's made well, it's so tasty! It's also a great staple to add some fancy toppings to; fruit, nuts, honey, syrup, yoghurt, cream; the list goes on.
to make perfect porridge,
you need:
1/2 cup of Flahavan's oats.
3/4 cup of water
3/4 cup of milk
A pinch of salt
- Preparation is key, so if possible, soak your oats the night before. Just pop them in a bowl with the water.
- The following morning, pour your soaked oats and the water into a saucepan and add your milk and the pinch of salt.
- Bring it to the boil and once it bubbles, reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. It's that simple.
If using a saucepan on the hob is too much hassle, you can make it in the microwave. We still recommend that you soak the oats the night before, and make sure you have a big deep bowl so the porridge doesn't overflow when it’s cooking.
- Add the milk and the pinch of salt to the soaked oats.
- Pop it in the microwave on full power for 2 minutes.
- Give it a stir and let it stand for a minute before popping it back in for another 50-60 seconds.
- Grab and spoon and enjoy on its own or add some of the toppings below to jazz it up.
Porridge is so good for you. The oats are packed full of fibre and slow-digesting, complex-carbohydtrates, which means they release their natural sugars slowly, keeping you energised and feeling full for longer. However, eating the same thing every day can get boring, so here are 5 ways to boost your breakfast with lots of taste, textures and tones more goodness!
Banana, greek yoghurt, chopped hazelnuts and honey.
There’s something about this combination of toppings that’s gorgeously indulgent. The creaminess of the youghurt and the stickiness of the honey with the textures and flavours of the almonds and banana.
Once the porridge is cooked, chop up half a banana, dollop on a tablespoon of yoghurt and a tablespoon of chopped almonds, drizzle honey over the top and serve.
Strawberries, Banana and honey.
This is the fresh fruit lovers porridge. Gorgeous in the height of summer when Irish strawberries are at their prime, halve 4-6 strawberries and slice half a banana. All it all in on top of the porridge and drizzle with honey. Perfect.
BLUEBERRIES AND RASPBERRIES.
Stir 4-5 raspberries and blueberries into the porridge and swirl it altogether so the fruit breaks down and the colours and flavours begin to come through the mix.
Top it off, with another spoonful of blueberries and serve. The sweetness of the blueberries and the tartness of the raspberries work so well with the creamy porridge.
CHOPPED APPLE, BROWN SUGAR, CINNAMON AND TOASTED OATS.
This is like having apple crumble for breakfast. It's got all the flavours and textures of the traditional dessert, but without the same amount of sugar or fats.
Chop the core out of the apple, leave the skin on and dice it into small cubes. Add this to the porridge, along with a teaspoon of brown sugar and a good sprinkle of cinnamon and give it all a good mix.
Top it off with toasted oats and serve. It is divine!
Cream and chocolate chips.
The is the ultimate in indulgent breakfasts. Simple add a big dollop of cream and a tablespoon of chocolate chips to the porridge and stir it in. The cream just adds to the thickness of porridge and the chocolate chips begin to melt. We only have this when we really fancy a treat!
