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Jamaican Oats Porridge is a quick and easy Caribbean breakfast staple. Start your day with a healthy, fiber-rich meal of rolled oats simmered with milk, spices, and sweetener.
Try another oats recipe like this Easy Apple Pie Overnight Oats Recipe. And for more Jamaican porridge recipes, try Peanut Porridge, Hominy Corn Porridge, and Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge next.
Table of Contents
- Jamaican Oats Porridge
- Here’s Why You’ll Love this Oats Porridge Recipe
- What is Oats Porridge?
- Is Oats Porridge Just Oatmeal?
- Oat vs Porridge
- Oats Porridge Benefits
- Oats Porridge Ingredients and Ingredient Notes
- How to Make Oats Porridge with Milk
- Oats Porridge Variations
- Tips
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Interested in more Hot Breakfast Recipes? Check These Out!
- Jamaican Oats Porridge Recipe
Jamaican Oats Porridge
Oats porridge is a wholesome breakfast that’s popular in Jamaica. Ditch the over-processed packets lining grocery store shelves because this homemade oats porridge tastes better but also offers a healthier alternative. Infused with traditional Jamaican flavours, it’s hearty, delicious and nutritious way to start your day.
Here’s Why You’ll Love this Oats Porridge Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This is a fail-proof recipe with step-by-step instructions. And it’s ready in just 20 minutes!
- Customizable: Make it with water, dairy, or plant-based milk if you’re vegan. Add different spices, sweeteners, and toppings to customize each bowl.
- Comforting: Porridge with oats is the perfect meal for those cold winter mornings; whether it’s snowy, rainy, or you’re feeling under the weather, a hot bowl of this is so soothing.
What is Oats Porridge?
Oats porridge is a breakfast dish made by cooking oats in a liquid, typically water, milk, or both, until the oats become soft and creamy. It’s a nutritious meal that can be customized with sweeteners and toppings.
Is Oats Porridge Just Oatmeal?
Oats porridge is oatmeal by another name. In places like Jamaica and India, they refer to it as oats porridge and in the United States, it’s called oatmeal. The ingredients and cooking methods are nearly identical.
Oat vs Porridge
Oats porridge, or oatmeal, is a type of porridge made specifically from rolled, ground, or flattened oats. Porridge can include various grains like rice, oats, corn, barley, or wheat.
Oats Porridge Benefits
Oats porridge is a healthy breakfast option with many nutritional benefits. Here are a few.
- Boosts Energy: Fuel up in the morning to get through your day.
- Great for Weight Loss: Because it contains fiber, you feel full for longer. This reduces calorie intake, which can lead to weight loss.
- Manages Blood Sugar: The complex carbohydrates in oats are digested more slowly, leading to better blood sugar control.
- Promotes Digestive Health: The fiber in oats supports digestive health by promoting regular bowel movements and preventing constipation.
Oats Porridge Ingredients and Ingredient Notes
- Rolled Oats: Also known as old-fashioned oats or flaked oats, these oats have the best consistency for porridge.
- Water: Use this as a liquid base for the porridge.
- Milk: This enriches the porridge and gives it a creamier texture.
- Spices: Use cinnamon sticks and either freshly grated or ground nutmeg.
- Salt: This enhances the other ingredients.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Use this or sugar to sweeten as desired.
- Vanilla Extract: The vanilla flavour compliments the spices.
How to Make Oats Porridge with Milk
- I start by bringing a cup of water, two cups of milk, a pinch of salt, and a cinnamon stick or two to a boil in a large pot. While that heats up, I blend rolled oats with two cups of water in a blender until it’s smooth or as thick as I like it.
- Once the water and milk are simmering, I pour in the blended oats, whisking constantly so it doesn’t stick. Then add in the rest of the milk (or water whatever you prefer) along with a bit of ground nutmeg and vanilla. Keep stirring to make sure everything mixes well.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the porridge simmer, stirring occasionally and adding more liquid if needed. Continue simmering for about 5 to 10 minutes or until it reaches your desired thickness and enjoy!
Oats Porridge Variations
- Sweeteners: Skip the condensed milk and use regular milk and sugar. Brown sugar is a tasty option. Or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or agave. Alternatively, you can opt for no sweetener and rely on the spices for flavour.
- Spices: Add turmeric, ginger, or pumpkin spice,
- Vegan: Swap the dairy milk for almond milk, coconut milk, or just water. If you use water, the consistency will be thinner, and not as creamy.
- Toppings: Add dried fruits (like raisins or dried apricots) or nuts (walnuts, pistachios, almonds) for a contrast of flavour and textures. You could also add fresh fruits like sliced bananas, apples, blueberries, or strawberries.
- Oats: Steel-cut oats have a chewier texture but take longer to cook. Instant oats are quicker to cook.
Tips
- For larger servings, double or even triple the ingredients.
- Blend the oats with water before adding it to the other ingredients. This provides a smoother consistency. Alternatively, leave them whole for a heartier texture. This depends on your preference for a creamy or chunky porridge.
- Use a combination of water and milk for a creamy texture. Adjust the ratio based on your preference for thickness and richness.
- Cook the oats on low heat to prevent sticking and achieve a smooth texture. Stir regularly to avoid lumps and ensure even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Porridge oats are best enjoyed immediately. Otherwise, it thickens and gets a gluey texture. If you decide to store them anyway, keep them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the mixture up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Porridge oats are nourishing. They are rich in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. The beta-glucans in oats contribute to heart health by regulating cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Cook them with a mix of water and milk, adding fresh fruits for natural sweetness. Add nuts or seeds for healthy fats. Keep the added sugar minimal, opting for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead, to create a nutritious and filling bowl of porridge.
Americans refer to porridge as oatmeal?
Interested in more Hot Breakfast Recipes? Check These Out!
- Green Banana Porridge
- Jamaican Breakfast Ideas
- Green Banana Porridge
- Peanut Porridge
- Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge
- Hominy Corn Porridge
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Jamaican Oats Porridge
Ingredients
- 1 cup Rolled Oats
- 2-3 cups Water
- 1 – 1/2 cups Milk
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1-2 Cinnamon Sticks
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg, grated or ground
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- Sweetened Condensed Milk, or sugar, to sweeten, as desired
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 1 cup of water, 2 cups of milk, salt and cinnamon stick(s) to a boil. Then, using a blender, combine the rolled oats and 2 cups of water. Blend until you achieve a smooth or desired consistency.
- Pour oats mixture into the simmering pot and whisk constantly to prevent sticking. Stir in the remaining milk (or water depending on preference), ground nutmeg and vanilla. Continue stirring to ensure the mixture is well combined.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the porridge simmer, stirring occasionally and adding more liquid if needed. Continue simmering until it reaches your desired thickness and enjoy!
