Instant Porridge

[MTbowels]

I'm not a lover of porridge, but I recently bought a pack of those porridge sachets that now seem to be everywhere. I think they were called oats so simple by Quaker but mine is a plain type made by mornflake.
I noticed that the only Ingredient is 27g of wholegrain oatflakes to which is added about 180ml of milk using the sachet as a measure and then microwaved.
My question is can I do the same thing using supermarket own-brand oats that are sold in big plastic bags. It would be so much cheaper for me to use these bulk pack porridge oats although I'm not certain if I need rolled oats.
Thank you.

[davebro]

yes - I use Aldi's basic porridge oats. A mug of water in a bowl + 3 heaped dessert spoons of oats. Microwave on full for 90 seconds, stir & you're done!

[davebro]

not water! - I use semi-skimmed milk.

[barry1010]

Yes you can microwave all porridge oats but they will take longer - try two minutes, stir, two more minutes, keep going until cooked. Don't forget it will continue to thicken for a short while after cooking.
If it goes too thick just stir in cold milk

[barry1010]

You could also cook it in a bowl in the slow cooker overnight - I would put some water in the slow cooker, though, and use a pyrex bowl.

[Deriter]

I also find a spoonful of honey, stirred in after cooking, makes the porridge more palatable.

[eleanor2]

Yes! You'll need to experiment with quantities of oats to milk/ water. I just put an amount of oats in a bowl & add water & microwave for two minutes. Whatever you do .. cover your container! as it does rise & bubble up & will come over the sides if you dont.

[smurfchops]

Try Flahavans

[jack daniels]

Hi MTbowels, I personally prefer rolled oats, I use an own supermarket brand. I put three dessert spoons full into a microwavable bowl, add whole milk & artificial sweetener (I'm diabetic) tiny pinch of salt (brings out the flavour) and then microwave for about three minutes, stirring after every minute. You will find next time you want less milk or more, if I find it too thick, I just stir in cold milk, add any fruit toppings etc....and you have yummy, filling bowl of porridge. I also know someone who puts Greek yogurt into a bown, sprinkles dry oats onto it, leaves it in the fridge overnight and in the morning adds fruit and eats it cold. Oaks absorb the yogurt. Instant packet ones are not very good for you but convenient (the less processed, the better)

[fbg40]

MT
I eat porridge a lot (Quaker) always adding fruit (Blueberries, Banana etc, and a touch of Maple Syrup !) before eating. I took two of the "pots" of porridge on a recent self catering holiday, tried the first one, couldn't eat it (horrible !) and threw the second one away without opening it !!
FBG40

[pastafreak]

Flavahans are excellent!

Overnight oats...just to give an idea...

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/overnight-oats

[ducksie]

I make up the Flahavan's O/O's most nights for the next morning, or sometimes I do a baked oats for breakfast. I wouldn't buy instant oats though, a waste of money i think - espeically when they do within a few minutes in microwave or on the hob

[MTbowels]

Thank you all for your advice. You've inspired me to make my own porridge now that it seems so easy!

[ducksie]

enjoy it MT - add fruits you like when it is cooked and it's gorgeous. you know, there is actually a site called, pimp my porridge :)

[Patsy33]

I use Quaker oats from supermarket. I put about 3 tbs oats and use semi skimmed milk. If it turns out too thick, I just add cold semi skimmed milk. Then usually some blue berries on top.
Much better than little packet ones. Also, keeps you full for hours. Well, it does me..

[tamborine]

My way using cheapo rolled oats is to pour dry oats into bowl, pour boiling kettle water over to dampen oats, add sugar & cold milk; stir to consume. I prefer the bite to gluten porrige.

[piggynose]

i´ve always bought thick porridge oats from health food shops, put about 1/2 mug of oats into saucepan with 1/2 cup of soya milk+1/2 water, bring to boil. leave overnight. add honey+banana. yum

[MTbowels]

Thank you all for the additional suggestions. I'll give them all a bash!

[Tilly2]

With a name like yours, why on earth do you want to eat porridge?

[Togo]

Hah Tills. I was going to recommend prunes and honey, then thought, naagghhh not necessary.

[Tilly2]

The honey would be ok though Togo.