World Porridge Day: Cook This Dish The Traditional Scottish Way

Every year 10 October marks World Porridge Day. Porridge is prepared by heating or boiling ground, crushed, or chopped starchy plants, usually grains, with milk or water. It can be combined with spices, meat, or vegetables to form a savoury dish. Whereas the more popular version is a sweet porridge, which can be cooked or served with additional flavourings like sugar, honey, (dried) fruit, syrup, or honey, adding sweetness to the cereals. Depending on its consistency, it is typically served hot in a bowl. One of the most popular kinds of porridge is oatmeal, sometimes known as oat porridge. Porridge has a thinner variation called gruel.

Also Read: Dak Juk: A Comforting Bowl Of Korean Porridge

However, where did porridge originate? The history and origins of this filling and delectable meal are honoured on World Porridge Day. Furthermore, it highlights all the health advantages they offer participants.

History

As it happens, porridge is Scotland's traditional national food and has kept its citizens healthy for many centuries. The World Porridge Making Championship is a tournament held annually in the Scottish Highland village of Carrbridge to identify the porridge champion who best embodies the taste and experience of this cuisine.

However, the Scots have long been recognised for their progressive outlook and genuine concern for everyone. As a result, Carrbridge has partnered with Mary's Meals to support the provision of nutrient-rich porridge to kids worldwide.

Mary's Meals strives to provide food to children all around the world. Their efforts impact more than 1.5 million kids in 16 of the world's poorest nations. The meal motivates kids to attend school and advance their education so they may lift themselves, their communities, and their nations out of poverty. Mary's Meals works in remote locations like Malawi to help keep kids fed all academic year long. Since the inaugural World Porridge Day was celebrated in 2009, kids have been living healthier and happier lives.

Let's celebrate this day by preparing traditional Scottish porridge.

Ingredients

• 45 grams rolled oats Old fashioned oats/jumbo oats/oat flakes.
• 500 millilitres water
• 60 millilitres plant-based milk (This is optional as porridge can be made with just water)
• A pinch of salt (It is optional but traditionally included)

Traditional Scottish Porridge, Image Source: eatthismuch

Method

1. Add the oats to a non-stick saucepan
2. Pour the water and mix the ingredients
3. Place it on the flame and bring to a boil
4. Now reduce the flame. Keeping it at a gentle simmer, cook the oats for about 3 minutes
5. If you are using large flakes of oats, simmer for a few more minutes 
6. Pour the plant-based milk of your choice and stir well
7. Cook it on simmer for another 5 minutes
8. The longer the oats stew, the thicker they will turn and get a creamy consistency
9. Turn off the flame and take the saucepan off the heat
10. Now let the oats porridge sit for some more time to get a thick consistency
11. According to your taste preference, add a pinch of salt 
12. If you have a sweet tooth, add sugar and other toppings, such as dry fruits and fresh fruits

Fun Facts

• The 16th-century phrases pottage and porray, which both meant broth, are whence the word porridge gets its from.
• It has been known by several names throughout history, including Porage, Porrige, and even Porritch.
• Oatmeal has long been used to make Scottish porridge, which dates back thousands of years.
• Scots porridge was originally served in a wooden bowl and stirred during cooking using a specific wooden stick known as a Spurtle