Porridge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner: Porridge is always waiting for you

No matter what. Whether you feel great or bad, whether you are tired or wide awake, whether you are a gourmet or a simple eater, porridge is always there for you.

One of the easiest and maybe most underrated dishes will save your day and give you all the power you need. It is good for your body and even better for your wallet.

Porridge, in all its varieties, is one of the oldest foods that are still around. The word porridge wasn’t used until the 17th century, however, the practice of chopping or grinding cereals is way older. Scientists believe that this process first took place over 12,000 years ago when humans started to settle in certain regions for a longer time. Rice porridge occurred in China around 4,500 years ago and porridge, in general, was part of the Asian parts of the world and also in Africa and Latin America.

 

 

The porridge which is presently most consumed is based on Scottish porridge. Oats and barley were mainly grown in this region and therefore, they had everything they needed for a delicious porridge. Back in the day, porridge was seen as the meal of the poor. However, it prevailed and I think nowadays porridge is part of all societal levels. It was consumed warmly but also stored in cooled wooden porridge drawers to eat later.

 

For the longest time, I struggled, especially in the mornings, to find a proper meal for me. I don’t want to spend too much time preparing something, however, it is important that my breakfast gives me enough energy to start my day. When I integrated porridge into my diet, my life started to become easier and more enjoyable. Not only do I eat it as a breakfast,  moreover, I often use it as a snack after exercise or when I am just hungry but do not want to eat a random snack.

Personally, I think the great thing about porridge is the million varieties one can produce. Creativity is key! Take the basic ingredients and then throw in whatever comes to your mind and just try it out. You will enjoy this journey of developing the perfect porridge for yourself.

 

Benefits of eating porridge

  • A high amount of dietary fiber gives you a great feeling of fullness. The fibers also help to keep blood sugar levels at a normal level.
  • A high amount of carbohydrates. So it gives lots of energy to the brain and body
  • A high amount of calcium and Vitamin A
  • Super TASTY!!!

Ingredients/recipe: As mentioned there are many ways of how to prepare your porridge but this on one example

2 ½ cups water

1 cup rolled oats

1 tablespoon white sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 bananas, sliced

1 pinch of ground cinnamon

½ cup cold milk (Optional)

 

Directions

Combine water, oats, sugar, and salt in a saucepan.

Add bananas and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, and simmer until the liquid has been absorbed, stirring frequently.

Pour into bowls, and top each with a splash of cold milk.

 

Be creative! You won’t regret it!

 

 

Bibliography

 

“Cereal History – from Early Porridges to Modern Gluten-Free Cereals.” Cereal History – Historical Background of Eating Cereals, www.historyofcereals.com/cereal-history/.

Verival. “The History of the Porridge.” Verival, Verival, 8 Oct. 2019, www.verival.at/english/blog/the-history-of-the-porridge/.

 

Bibliography Images

deleted_89114. “Eat This Much, Your Personal Diet Assistant.” Eat This Much, www.eatthismuch.com/recipe/nutrition/scottish-porridge,205654/. Retrieved April 2023

Whattocooktoday. “How to Make Basic Asian Rice Porridge (Congee).” What To Cook Today, 20 Mar. 2023, whattocooktoday.com/how-to-make-rice-porridge.html. Retrieved April 2023