In this festive season it is very important to maintain a balanced diet instead of stuffing all kinds of rich and oily foods available. It is good to balance out a dish of porridge before having different kinds of heavy dinners to celebrate the festival that is going on in this holiday season. Porridge is one of the most heart-warming dishes you can try. It is plain and simple, very healthy for your guts, and brilliant for the time when you are full and you don't want something oily.
The taste of porridge is also very plain and indulgent. At the same time, it is perfectly eaten as a palette cleanser or a hungover food from after parties. It does not make your stomach work hard but simply makes you full, perfect for something light and healthy. There are different kinds of porridge that you can ask for, such as pumpkin porridge or oatmeal porridge, which is sweet and spicy at the same time, with different condiments and toppings according to your preference. Different kinds of porridge from all around the world are listed below for you to taste. Keep reading!
1. Dalia
You would have definitely heard about this dish when you were young because it is a staple of India. A warm bowl with simple flavours and lots of spice can instantly warm up the taste buds that were missing from the cold. Dalia cracked wheat, water or milk, ghee, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, finely chopped vegetables (carrots, peas), green chillies, ginger, and turmeric are added together to make a perfect bowl. You can also add different kinds of topping, such as roasted peanuts, chopped coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lime. It tastes very nutty and wholesome with a touch of spice.
2. Oatmeal with Maple Pecan Crunch
A simple dish with lots of warmth in it with the combination of oats, milk or water, maple syrup, and pecans. One can also add different kinds of topics to the dish to make it more enriched, such as Greek yoghurt, additional maple syrup drizzle, and toasted pecans. The taste is very sweet and nutty with a hint of maple goodness. It is a very simple dish that one can have if they have an upset stomach to cheer up their appetite. The dish feels like a sweet hug on a cold winter day.
3. Spiced Pumpkin Porridge
The fall season is long gone, and it's time for celebrations, but if you are still missing pumpkin-spiced dishes, then make sure to throw in some oats, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and milk, searing it to perfection and have it with a warm glass of milk to enjoy your cold days. You can also add different kinds of topics to make it more tasty, such as roasted pumpkin seeds, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey. A perfect way to bring the fall season back into celebrations with warmth and comfort along with a hint of fall spices.
4. Savoury Mushroom and Herb Porridge
Craving something unique but want it to be light and not enriched and heavy? Take a pot and throw in some oats, chicken or vegetable broth, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary). Add a little bit of grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. It will give you a dish of earthy and savoury flavours, perfect for those who prefer a non-sweet option. It is also spicy, and one can add a drizzle of hot honey to balance the spice too.
5. Apple Cinnamon Buckwheat Porridge
Buckwheat groats, diced apples, cinnamon, and almond milk come together to give a dish called apple cinnamon buckwheat porridge, which is famously made when you are opting for something light and cinnamony going with Christmas flavours. A perfect addition to your dinner table with the toppings such as chopped walnuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and apple slices. It not only gives the feels and vibes of celebration, but it also has a taste of nutty and sweet delight similar to apple pie.
6. Chocolate Peanut Butter Quinoa Porridge
If you are not a big fan of quinoa, then make sure that you try out the combination of quinoa, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and milk. These flavours come together to give you a light enriched flavour, which will make a perfect snack on a cold winter day with the toppings that are light, such as sliced bananas, crushed peanuts, and a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. You can also add a little bit of the unusual toppings according to your liking, such as toffees and caramel for taste. The taste of this dish is very indulgent and satisfying, with a perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter flavours.
7. Masala Oats
If you like spices mixed with a light taste, try this easy dish which is perfect for any occasion. You can mix up oats, water or milk, finely chopped vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers), ginger, garlic, green chillies, turmeric, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. Masala oats are a perfect option for you to have as a breakfast, dinner, or lunch, ensuring that you have something light, but at the same time, you are indulging with all the spices you crave. It is low in calories and can be topped with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon juice, and of yoghurt. The taste is a spectacular mix of spicy and savoury with a hint of tanginess from lemon and yoghurt.