Fanciest Oats in the World: Artisanal porridge with oatmeal
Are you tired of the same old bowl of oatmeal every morning? If you're looking to add some excitement to your breakfast routine, then you're in luck! Introducing the Fanciest Oats in the World. This luxurious and flavorful hot multigrain porridge with oatmeal is sure to elevate your breakfast game and leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
Porridge, a thick, creamy dish made of oats or other grains, has a long history dating back to ancient civilizations. It was originally a simple, everyday food made from grains such as oats, wheat, or barley, cooked with water or milk to create a soft, nourishing dish. Porridge is a staple food in many cultures around the world, often eaten as a cheap and filling meal.
In recent years, there has been a rise in popularity of artisanal porridge, with a focus on specialty ingredients and inventive flavor combinations. To create this fanciest of oats, you'll need a variety of whole grains, such as steel cut oats, buckwheat, rolled oats, amaranth, and farro. These whole grains bring a variety of flavors, textures, and nutrients to the dish.
Mix in your favorite fresh and dried fruits plus toppings ingredients such as nuts, seeds, fruit, and spices to make it truly one-of-a-kind.
Nutrition - Is oatmeal good for you?
Multigrain hot cereal can be a nutritious and convenient breakfast option, providing a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and a range of nutrients such as B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.
Which grain is best for porridge?
Steel cut oats and buckwheat in particular are considered a healthier alternative to refined grains because they retain the bran and germ of the seed, which are packed with nutrients and fiber.
However, it is important to be aware of any potential allergens or sensitivities you may have to the ingredients in your multigrain cereal. For example, if you are sensitive to gluten, you will need to choose a gluten-free ingredients such as buckwheat, quinoa or millet.
Some studies have suggested that consuming steel cut oats may have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Oats contain a type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood sugar levels, and improve digestive health. In addition, steel cut oats are a good source of plant compounds called phytosterols, which can also help lower cholesterol levels by blocking the absorption of cholesterol in the body.
Whole buckwheat groats are a nutritious and flavorful addition to a multigrain porridge. Buckwheat is a type of plant that is related to rhubarb and is not a grain, but the seeds of the plant are used in a similar way.
Culinarily, whole buckwheat has a slightly nutty flavor and a chewy texture when cooked. It’s pyramid shape adds a unusual and intriguing texture to a multigrain porridge.
Amaranth is a nutritious and flavorful grain that can add a variety of nutritional and culinary elements to a multigrain porridge. Amaranth is a type of seed that is native to South America and is a good source of complex carbohydrates, protein, and fiber.
Culinarily, amaranth has a creamy, slightly sticky texture when cooked. It can add a uniquely satisfying texture to a multigrain porridge.
How to cook porridge in the Instant Pot
Simply place all of the grains, water, fruit, and spices into an instant pot and cook at high pressure for 10-15 minutes, depending on the texture you like, on the spectrum of chewier to softer.
Let the pressure naturally reduce for 10 minutes, then quick release.
The cooking time for the Instant Pot may need to be adjusted based on the quantity of ingredients you are using. You may need to experiment with different cooking times to find the right balance of tenderness and chewiness for your preferred texture.
There are many different textures and consistencies that people enjoy with hot multigrain porridge. Some people prefer a creamy, smooth texture, while others prefer a more chewy, toothsome consistency.
The type of grains used in the porridge can also affect the texture and consistency. For example, oats tend to create a creamy, smooth texture when cooked, while grains like quinoa and millet have a crunchier, more distinct texture. Mixing and matching different grains can create a range of textures and flavors in a hot multigrain porridge.
Some people enjoy adding additional ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or spices, to their porridge to add texture and flavor. Others may prefer to keep their porridge simple, with only a few ingredients, allowing the grains' flavors to shine through.
Mix-ins and oatmeal topping ideas
Mix-ins: Sweeten with natural sugars from fruit. Apples and pears are a staple in my house, but I often rotate through a variety of dried fruit for variety, including raisins, currants, and figs.
Toppings: You can customize the toppings for your single serving of porridge by mixing and matching your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Try experimenting with different combinations to find your perfect flavor profile.
So why settle for boring old oatmeal when you can have the Fanciest Oats in the World? Meal prep this multigrain porridge with oatmeal in the Instant Pot so you can start your day off right in no time. Happy eating!
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Fanciest Oats in the World
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Ingredients
Multigrain Porridge
- ½ cup steel cut oats
- ½ cup buckwheat groats
- ¼ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 2 tbsp amaranth or any other whole grain, see notes
- 2 tbsp farro or any other whole grain, see notes
- 5 cups water
- 2 medium apples or pears
- ¼ cup dried currants or any other dried fruit, chopped if needed.
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg optional
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves optional
- pinch salt
Crunchy Topping
- ¼ cup walnuts or pecans
- ¼ cup hemp hearts
- ¼ cup pepitas
Instructions
- Place all grains and spices into instant pot. I like to put the amaranth on last, as I find it incorporates better since they are so small. Top with currants and chopped apple, then cover with water.
- Seal the lid and vent, and set to cook at high pressure for 10-15 minutes, depending on your preferred texture.
- When the timer beeps, allow the pressure drop naturally for around 10 minutes, then release the vent. After the instant pot's pressure has entirely released, open the lid.
- Mix walnuts, hemp hearts and pepitas. Garnish each serving with 2 tbsp nut and seed blend.
Video
Notes
- You can literally use any grains you like, additional options including: quinoa, millet, teff, wild rice, barley, rye, or kamut. Just make sure the total amount of grain is 1.5 cups to 5 cups water, around a 1:3 ratio (one part grain, 3 parts water).
- Same with the fruit. You can use anything you think would taste fancy. Adjust the amount of water as needed depending on if you use all fresh fruit or all dried fruit.
- Same with the crunchy topping: use any combination of nuts and seeds that you like.
Hand Size Portions
Hand Portions
When you look at the nutritional values of a meal to log what you are eating, that is called tracking macros. A lot of people use this method to reach their health goals.
Looking at hand portion size and using this method to gauge how and what you eat is also a great method to help you reach your health goals. Many people who use this method often think this form of tracking meals is easier and more sustainable for a lifetime.
Want to learn more about hand portion size and how to use it to reach your goals? Check out the article How to Get Started with Hand Portion Sizes.
Heather Lynn Darby helps office and tech professionals disrupt the cycle of chronic stress that undermines their health, and to recover from the negative effects of sitting at a computer all day. Find other articles written by Heather on her coach profile.
If you are largely sedentary at work and rely on your intellectual acumen for success, her take on body-mind interventions will help you find a balance between being "in the zone" and getting the amount of movement that will optimize your mental productivity and prevent health problems.
