ABA Journal The digital English academy
There is no doubt that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Starting the day with a balanced and nutritious meal offers many benefits including better health, a faster metabolism, and the right amount of energy and calories to face the day. Are you among those who simply have a coffee and run to work? Or would you like to find a valid alternative to cappuccino and a sandwich? If so, why not try porridge?
Porridge is a dish that is made by boiling grains of a cereal, flavoured to taste. It is a staple in the kitchens of many African countries, as well as Russia, the United States, and of Scotland. Besides being easy to prepare, it is a versatile dish rich in fibre and minerals. If we have convinced you to try it, read on to find out how Julie learned to prepare the perfect porridge. Follow her suggestions and choose the perfect flavour for you!
The Recipe for the Perfect Porridge
It is Sunday morning and, like every week, it is time to take things calmly and a bit slower. But, not too much so either! This morning, Julie has decided to try porridge for breakfast! She bought the ingredients the day before: oatmeal (preferably organic and whole grain) and the ingredients to flavour the porridge. Julie took a look at the website of the famous English chef Jamie Oliver and chose from among the following delicious alternatives:
Marmalade, cacao nibs and hazelnuts
Chia seeds, agave nectar, fresh figs and a tablespoon of fat-free natural yoghurt and flaked almonds
Grated apple, chopped walnuts and a few sliced red grapes
Blueberries, yoghurt, honey and toasted nuts
Cocoa, peanut butter and fresh raspberries
Kiwi, mango and passion fruit
Preparation
Julie is already in the kitchen, ready for her new culinary experiment. She has to prepare everything before Leonard wakes up. That is also why she is trying not to make too much noise.
Ingredients:
160 groats
500 ml milk or water
A pinch of salt
Fresh fruit
1 teaspoon of sunflower seeds, flaked almonds or other dried fruit
A pinch of cinnamon
Preparation
First, Julie brings the milk (or water), oats, salt, and cinnamon to boil in a pot and then cooks it for 5 minutes over low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon. The milk must boil slowly and be absorbed by the oatmeal. Then she removes it from the heat and pours it into bowls.
Now it’s time to wash and peel the fruit, then mix it in the bowl, leaving aside a part to decorate with.
Finally, Julie decorates her bowl of porridge with the remaining fruit and seeds.
Tips
It is important to buy good quality oats, preferably organic and crunchy.
The oats need to break down, so constantly stir them with a wooden spoon.
Cook the porridge for around 15 minutes, but test after 5 minutes to make sure it has the right softness.
Ready for Breakfast?
Breakfast is ready! For today, Julie has chosen to flavour the porridge only with fresh fruit. But, as Leonard liked it so much, there will be other opportunities to try this nutritious dish with other variations. After such a tasty and nutritious breakfast, Julie and Leonard are ready for their weekly walk through the park. So, what flavour have you chosen for your Scottish breakfast?
If the information in this article was useful to you, why not try the ABA English online course? We offer 144 video classes and the same amount of short films as well as expert native teachers that are ready to answer your questions and clear up your doubts.
