Fancy breakfast dishes are all well and good, but sometimes the early morning calls for a celebration of the good and simple. And that’s absolutely okay! For such cases, we have a true classic for you: Today we’re making Scottish porridge!
Scottish Porridge: Oatmeal with Tradition
“Porridge is just oatmeal,” I hear you say. But don’t click away yet! Because there are a few things that make Scottish porridge special. First, there’s the history. In most parts of Scotland, it’s cold, windy, and rainy for most of the year. Thisdoesn’t make for ideal growing conditions for some types of grain. Oats, on the other hand, are hardy, inexpensive to grow, and very nutritious. So nutritious, in fact, that the simple grain is currently considered a true superfood.
Classic Scottish porridge is cooked with only water and a little salt. But, there’s something to be said about simplicity, as this laidback porridge is still very popular today. As early as the 18th century, the Scottish poet Robert Burns praised porridge, or “Parrtich,” or the “chief of Scottish food.” Even today, there is an annual porridge competition where international participants compete in the art of porridge making.
It is also rumored that Scottish porridge was one of the first carry-out dishes ever. Way back when, it was made in bulk, typically prepared in a large cauldron. It would then be distributed to anyone who came by with a wooden bowls. Leftover porridge would solidify as it chilled. It would then be cut into blocks and taken along as a snack. We suggest taking a bit of ancient wisdom into the contemporary. Why not keep left over porridge as a sort of simple bar? We suggest frying it and using it as a hearty side to savory meat dishes.
While preparing Scottish porridge is very simple, there are some traditions that must be observed. Always stir your porridge with a wooden spoon, preferably with your right hand clockwise. Anything else invites bad luck in!
Porridge is a wonderful base for many delicious breakfast options, and we at Scrumdiddlyumptious are big fans of oatmeal in the morning. For twists on this classic recipe, check out our carrot oatmeal, Snickers breakfast bowl, and cinnamon apple strudel oatmeal.
Scottish Porridge
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups Rolled oats
- 4 cups water
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a pot.
- Place the pot on the stove and bring to a boil.
- Stir constantly with a wooden spoon and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the oats are soft and the porridge becomes creamy.
- Serve porridge with your favorite toppings and/or stir in a piece of butter for extra creaminess.