Five ways to spice up your porridge

Like Goldilocks, most of us are always on the lookout for the perfect porridge pairings. It’s the best way to kick start the day and with milk and fruits, it is a filling and balanced meal, raising the body’s sugar gradually and keeping hunger pangs at bay.

Whole grains are the best
Porridge made from whole cereals like wheat is a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins and fiber. Brown rice, oats, whole wheat and millets like bajra, ragi and foxtail millet (kangni) are other options. They are all healthy as they are excellent sources of water-soluble vitamins and minerals.

Why only at breakfast?
Although considered a morning meal, there is no reason porridge should not be consumed at lunch and dinner. When cooked in milk, it provides a good amount of protein and calcium. Adding a bean salad/egg along with porridge makes it a high protein meal.

Choose ready-to-eat (RTE) or made from scratch?
 RTE porridge will have chemicals in the form of preservatives and flavoring agents along with added sugar and sodium. So it’s best to make porridge at home so that you can control the ingredients you add.

Spice up your porridge by

1. Adding dry fruits like raisins and dates to sweeten porridge and also to avoid refined sugar. Fruit purees such as apple sauce or date syrup can also be added for natural sweetness.
2. Peanut butter is a great way to add flavor, protein and healthy fats.
3. An egg cooked along with a savory or even a sweet porridge tastes great.
4. Cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla can be added to make porridge more appealing.
5. Roasted pumpkin seeds/flaxseeds/wheat germ can be added for a little crunch.

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