Oats Porridge Recipe | Oatmeal Porridge (2024)

By Dassana Amit
Last Updated: January 11, 2023

Vegetarian
4.77 from 17 votes27 Comments

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Oatmeal Porridge is a delicious breakfast staple that is easy and quick to prepare. And it is fantastic to customize! Make it with water or milk or a combination of both and with either quick cooking oats or rolled oats (old fashioned oats). Here I share my favorite no fail Oats Porridge recipe with step-by-step photos.

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About Oats Porridge

Oatmeal Porridge is a traditional breakfast dish that’s enjoyed in many different form around the world. Wonderfully hearty oats are simmered with water or milk until thick and creamy for a satisfying morning meal that keeps you full for hours.

In India we call this Oats Porridge; in the UK it’s simply known as Porridge – and in the US it’s called Oatmeal. But the ingredients and cooking methods are all basically the same!

This classic oatmeal porridge recipe only takes about 5 minutes to make with quick-cooking and 10 minutes with rolled oats. It’s terrific to customize with your preference of water and/or milk, and top with nearly any sweet goodies you like.

Adults and kids alike love cuddling up with warm bowls loaded with their favorite toppings! Give this family-friendly recipe a try and I’m sure it will become your new go-to breakfast recipe for busy weekdays.

Step-by-Step Guide

How to Make Oats Porridge

1. First, add ½ cup quick-cooking oats or rolled oats in a pan.

Note: When buying oats or oats products for babies, be sure to check the contents label on the pack. It should only list oats and no other flavorings or additional ingredients.

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2. Add 1 cup of water.

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3. Then add ½ cup milk or as needed. You can also add more water for a dairy-free recipe.

Consistency can be easily adjusted as per your requirements. ½ cup milk gives a slightly thick consistency. For a thinner consistency, you can add more milk or water.

Note that the water or milk can be added less or more depending on the type and brand of oats. So do also read the instructions on the packet.

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4. Add sugar as per taste. I just added 2 tablespoons raw sugar or white sugar. Sugar is completely optional. If adding fruits later, then you can skip sugar.

If adding honey, then add when the porridge becomes lukewarm or cools down at room temperature, as honeywhen heated becomes toxic.

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5. Stir very well as you heat the oats porridge mixture on low to medium heat.

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6. Bring the oatmeal porridge to a gentle simmer as you continue to stir frequently.

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7. The porridge will thicken as it cooks. Continue to cook for a total of 5 to 6 minutes (if you have used quick cooking oats) or until it reaches the consistency you like.

For rolled oats, cook for 10 to 12 minutes on low to medium heat. If the consistency is too thick for you add some more water or milk

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8. Turn off heat when the and the oats have softened well and you get the preferred consistency.

Serve Oats Porridge hot or warm or at room temperature. Keep in mind that the Oatmeal Porridge will thicken as it cools.

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FAQs

How can I make oatmeal porridge for young toddlers and babies?

You need to powder the oats in a spice grinder or food processor before cooking. Also, avoid adding dried fruit or nuts and sugar. Instead I suggest you add a bit of fruit puree, like mango or banana.

Can oats porridge be made with milk instead of water?

Yes, you can substitute milk for water in this recipe. Or even use a 50/50 combination of milk and water. However, if you plan to add fruit to the dish I recommend not using milk as the combination of dairy and fruit is not advised per Ayurveda.

What add ins and garnishes can you include in oat porridge?

Let the cooked oatmeal cool slightly before adding chopped dry fruits, fresh fruits, nuts, or a little bit of each. You can also add honey once the oatmeal cools down a bit.

Can this oatmeal porridge recipe be doubled or tripled?

Absolutely. As-is this recipe yields 2 servings. Simply double or triple the ingredients and prepare in a larger pot to make as many servings as you need.

How long do leftovers last?

Homemade oats porridge is best when enjoyed right after it’s made. If it sits too long it will become gluey. They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day if you need. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove by adding a bit of water or milk.

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Oats Porridge Recipe | Oatmeal Porridge (15)

Oats Porridge Recipe | Oatmeal Porridge

By Dassana Amit

Oats Porridge is a quick and healthy porridge made with oats, water or milk. Both quick cooking oats or rolled oats can be used to make this Oatmeal Porridge. Customize it with adding your preferred sweetener, liquids and choice of fruit or nuts toppings.

4.77 from 17 votes

Print Pin Save

Prep Time 1 minute min

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 6 minutes mins

Cuisine American, World

Course Breakfast

Diet Vegetarian

Difficulty Level Easy

Servings 2

Units

Ingredients

  • ½ cup quick cooking oats or rolled oats
  • 1 cup water or add as required
  • ½ cup milk or water
  • 2 tablespoons raw sugar or white sugar, add as per taste – optional

Instructions

  • Take the oats in a pan. Add water and milk.

  • The consistency can be easily adjusted as per your requirements.This recipe makes for a slightly thicker consistency. For a thinner consistency, you can add more milk or water.

  • Add sugar. Sugar is completely optional. If adding fruits later, then you can skip adding sugar.

  • If adding honey, then add when the porridge becomes lukewarm or cools down at room temperature, as honey becomes toxic on being heated.

  • Stir very well and heat the porridge mixture on a low to medium flame.

  • Do stir often and allow the porridge to simmer.

  • It will also thicken as it cooks. Cook for a total of 5 to 6 minutes for quick cooking oats. If you have used rolled oats, cook for 10 to 12 minutes.

  • If the consistency looks very thick, add some water or milk to thin it.

  • When the oats have softened and you get the desired consistency, switch off the heat.

  • Serve Oats Porridge hot or warm or at room temperature.

  • If serving oats porridge at room temperature then do note that it will thicken more as it cools.

  • If adding chopped fruits or berries, then add it when the porridge becomes lukewarm or cooled completely. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruits of your choice.

Notes

  • You could opt to make the oatmeal with only water or milk or both.
  • Adding sweetener is optional.
  • For a savory version, add some steamed/boiled veggies and season with salt and black pepper or your choice of spices and seasonings.
  • You can also opt to cook the oatmeal in a stovetop pressure cooker or the Instant pot, adding water as needed.
  • Adjust the consistency, by adding less or more of the liquids like water and milk. I have used 1.5 cups of liquids, but add less or more as needed depending on the type and brand of oats you use.
  • Note that steel cut oats and oats groats will need more water and take more time to cook and soften.
  • Recipe is scaleable to make for more servings.

Nutrition Info (Approximate Values)

Nutrition Facts

Oats Porridge Recipe | Oatmeal Porridge

Amount Per Serving

Calories 159Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 7mg2%

Sodium 30mg1%

Potassium 167mg5%

Carbohydrates 28g9%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 15g17%

Protein 5g10%

Vitamin A 99IU2%

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) 0.1mg7%

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.1mg6%

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 0.2mg1%

Vitamin B6 0.1mg5%

Vitamin B12 0.3µg5%

Vitamin D 1µg7%

Vitamin E 0.2mg1%

Vitamin K 1µg1%

Calcium 89mg9%

Vitamin B9 (Folate) 6µg2%

Iron 1mg6%

Magnesium 63mg16%

Phosphorus 153mg15%

Zinc 1mg7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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This Oats Porridge recipe from the archives, originally published in May 2015 has been updated and republished on January 2023.

Oats Porridge Recipe | Oatmeal Porridge (2024)

FAQs

How to make oats so simple porridge? ›

Simply boil 180ml (one sachet) of milk in a saucepan. Stir in contents of one sachet of oats. Simmer for 2 mins or until milk is absorbed, stirring occasionally.

What is oats porridge? ›

Oats Porridge is a quick and healthy porridge made with oats, water or milk. Both quick cooking oats or rolled oats can be used to make this Oatmeal Porridge. Customize it with adding your preferred sweetener, liquids and choice of fruit or nuts toppings.

How to make porridge better? ›

Banish breakfast boredom with our porridge variations.
  1. Banana, raisins and a sprinkle of nutmeg. ...
  2. Strawberries and blueberries. ...
  3. Cherry and chia seeds. ...
  4. Banana, raspberry, almond butter and cinnamon. ...
  5. Flaked almonds and chopped dates. ...
  6. Walnuts, pear slices and ginger. ...
  7. Peaches and raspberries. ...
  8. Stewed plums.

What is the ratio of water to oats for porridge? ›

In the morning drain any excess water, then pop them into a saucepan with plenty of water (or milk), Work on the ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 ratio of oats to liquid, depending on whether you like the porridge thick and creamy or more runny. That means 1 to 1 & 1/2 cups of liquid per 1/2 cup of oats.

How long to soak oats before making porridge? ›

Add 1 cup oats to a large saucepan and top with 2 cups water (or, if making more or less, just make sure there is double the water as there are oats). Cover and soak for 6 hours or overnight (see notes for shortcuts). This will improve digestibility and also slightly speed cooking time.

Is it better to soak oats before making porridge? ›

Oatmeal, or porridge, is a wonderful way to start the day. And soaking your oats the night before you cook them can make the breakfast you consume tastier, easier to digest and more nutritious.

What's the difference between oatmeal and porridge oats? ›

Surprisingly, oatmeal is a type of porridge. Though all oatmeal is considered porridge, the term porridge does not always refer to oatmeal. Still, the two words are often used interchangeably, which can be confusing. Unlike porridge, oatmeal is always made from rolled, ground, or flattened oats.

What's the difference between oatmeal and porridge? ›

But the main difference between porridge and oatmeal is that porridge is made with a variety of whole grains, cereal or legumes, and oatmeal is made with oats (either rolled, flattened or ground).

How is porridge made from oats? ›

Method. Put 50g porridge oats in a saucepan, pour in 350ml milk or water and sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil and simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring from time to time and watching carefully that it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan. Or you can try this in a microwave.

What makes porridge taste better? ›

It's easy to make better tasting oatmeal.

Better tasting oatmeal is just a little salt away! Take it from a Scot, whether you eat your porridge sweet or savory, you need salt (and more than a pinch). Of course, using good quality oatmeal is important, too.

What thickens porridge? ›

Simple: oats are up to 60 per cent starch, which is a thickening agent. Starch is a carbohydrate that forms granules made from polymers called amylose and amylopectin. Whenyou cook oats in water or milk, the starch granules swell to absorb liquid and theporridgestarts to thicken.

What is porridge called in America? ›

It is known as simply "porridge" or, more commonly in the United States and Canada, "oatmeal". In the US, oat and wheat porridge can both be called "hot cereal". Rolled oats are commonly used in England, oatmeal in Scotland and steel-cut oats in Ireland.

Why put salt in porridge? ›

And always add salt. As with all foods sweet or savoury, salt brings flavour and dimension. With just three ingredients it's critical. “The porridge [is] the show itself, not a vehicle for bananas, nuts, berries, honey, all that kind of stuff.”

Is porridge better with milk or water? ›

Adding water or milk to porridge

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.

How to know when porridge is ready? ›

The oats will absorb the liquid very fast so be careful not to let it stick to the bottom. After about 5 or 6 minutes when the oatmeal has softened and is at the consistency of porridge then transfer into a bowl and sprinkle with a little bit of soft brown sugar if desired.

Is oats So Simple porridge good for you? ›

Each serving (27g) contains 33% of the 3g of oat beta-glucan suggested per day. Enjoy as part of a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Oat beta-glucan has been shown to lower blood cholesterol. High cholesterol is a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease.

Can you make oat so simple porridge with water? ›

It's easy. Learning how to make porridge is easy, simply add water or milk of your choice (you could add dairy milk, oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk or any other milk alternative) to your porridge oats, bring to the boil and then stir until creamy.

Why do oats turn into porridge? ›

The starch granules absorb water, disrupting the hydrogen bonds between their chemical components. This causes the granules to swell. Over time, this swelling of starch granules causes the porridge to thicken. This process is starch gelatinisation; for oat starch, it kicks off when the temperature reaches around 60˚C.

How do you eat oats if you don't like porridge? ›

8 Ways to Use Oats That Aren't Oatmeal
  1. Snack on power-packed energy balls.
  2. Bake up better-for-you cookies.
  3. Blend them into a smoothie.
  4. Boost your meatloaf.
  5. Treat yourself to a tart.
  6. Sprinkle on a streusel topping.
  7. Bake homemade bread.
  8. Make oat milk.
Dec 15, 2021

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