Getting the perfect, creamy breakfast porridge
At the risk of sounding a little like Goldilocks, you may have to try a few different cooking methods before you find the porridge that’s just right for you.
Everyone will have a different personal preference and cooking times will depend on your stove or microwave. That said, once you’ve mastered these porridge cooking basics, you’ll have no shortage of delicious, healthy breakfast options.
TIP: You don’t need to wash or rinse oats before you cook them.
Best porridge consistency
We’ve all seen attempts at porridge gone wrong. Not enough water, and porridge becomes thicker and stickier than wallpaper glue. Too much, and porridge becomes a runny, unappetising mess.
The perfect porridge consistency should be creamy, with a smooth, thick base that holds the oats together. Cooked porridge should have just a little al dente bite. Not too chewy, not too soft or bland. That’s when porridge is just right.
Adding water or milk to porridge
The key to cooking a creamy, delicious porridge is the correct ratio of milk to water. Too much milk will make your oatmeal porridge stickier and thicker. No milk at all and your porridge will lack that creamy taste. Of course, you don’t have to use milk at all if you don’t want to. Water or milk alternatives are fine but your porridge won’t be as creamy just won’t get that creamy texture.
The amount of water or milk you need to add will depend on whether you’re using steel cut, wholegrain, rolled or instant oats.
If you’re using rolled oats, use double the amount of liquid per oats. If a serve is half a cup of rolled oats, mix in a cup of water and a splash of milk. You can play around with the ratio of water and milk to oats, just so long as you’re adding double the amount of liquid.The longer your porridge needs to cook, the more liquid you will need to make sure your porridge doesn’t dry out.
Steps for the perfect microwave porridge
1. Mix half a cup of rolled oats and a cup of water in a large bowl and microwave on high for 60 seconds. Check and stir.
2. Cook for another 30 seconds, and repeat if necessary until the porridge mixture in your bowl becomes thick and creamy.
3. Carefully take the hot bowl out of the microwave, and add milk and toppings to taste.
Of course, this is just a suggestion. As long as you stay close to the magic 2:1 ratio when it comes to oats and liquid, you can play around with a mix of water and milk.
