Cold Porridge

Traditionally, porridge is a preparation made from cereals cooked, usually oats, in water or milk. It’s a typical breakfast dish in many Anglo-Saxon countries. The cold version of porridge, often called “overnight oats” or nighttime oats, involves soaking the oats overnight in milk or yogurt, then enriching it with various ingredients to taste. Here is the basic recipe for overnight oats:

Ingredients

• 50 g of rolled oats
• 150 ml of milk (can be cow’s milk or any plant-based beverage)
• 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt (optional for added creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, or sweetener of choice
• Fresh fruit, dried fruit, or berries for garnish
• A pinch of cinnamon or vanilla (optional)

Preparation

1. In a jar with a lid, combine the rolled oats and the milk.
2. Add the yogurt and your chosen sweetener (honey or maple syrup).
3. Mix everything well and make sure the oats are completely submerged in the liquid.
4. At this point, if you like, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or a bit of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
5. Close the jar and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight.
6. The next morning, take the cold porridge out of the refrigerator and stir it well. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency.
7. Serve it with the fresh or dried fruit of your choice and additional toppings as desired.

Trivia

Cold porridge is a very versatile breakfast option that lends itself to endless variations. You can add chia seeds for an extra boost of nutrients, chopped nuts or almonds for crunch, or cocoa powder for a more indulgent version. Moreover, preparing your porridge the night before saves time in the morning and provides you with a ready-to-eat, nutritious breakfast to enjoy.