What Is Porridge vs Oatmeal? Debate

I was walking past the farmer's house one cold morning. I was enjoying the morning walk with the smells of spices and freshly baked bread from the farmer's house.It made me curious and to have some fresh food with my friends. I came back home and invited my friends over home to have some delicious breakfast together.

The next day over a breakfast , Me and my friends sipped some coffee and the conversation was going great. Instantly one of my friend Aaron talked about an old school debate i.e. Porridge vs Oatmeal. It took me to the old times when in winter mornings I cuddle up under my blanket with a full bowl of creamy porridge that is warming me from the inside out. But, now I could not help but smile while carrying the bowl of oatmeal. As it is my go to meal for some time.

Its a delicious bowl and unforgettable , I would like to share the difference between porridge and oatmeal.

What Is Porridge vs Oatmeal

Okay now we need to understand what is porridge and what is oatmeal ? Most of the times these both words are used interchangeably but their are some differences. Lets understand.

What is Porridge?

Oatmeal

Porridge is breakfast that is made up by cooking grains in milk or water. It is added in milk and water to achieve the creamy texture. Now if we talk about how porridge is made or to be specific what porridge is made of:

• Rice
• Cornmeal
• Barley,Millet, Quinoa etc

Porridge involves grains in liquid i.e. milk or water until the grains get soft and have creamy consistency.

The grain type can either increases or decreases the cooking time. But, one thing contrasting of porridge from oatmeal is Porridge can consist of vegetables , meats or spices.

What is Oatmeal?

Difference between Oatmeal And Porridge Oats

Oatmeal is usually made using boiling the oats with water or milk , it can be considered a type of porridge which is made using oats.

As porridge and Oatmeal both have similar contents.

Now as we know Oatmeal have different types of oats. So the cooking time for each oat type is different like:

• Instant oats 1-2 minutes
• Rolled Oats 5-10 minutes
• Stell cut Oats 20-30 minutes.

though the oatmeal flavour can be increased using different delicious toppings from fruits to nuts etc.

What is the difference between oatmeal and porridge?

Porridge and oatmeal are similar things but have little differences, Oatmeal itself is specific type of porridge made using oats. So, all oatmeal is obviously porridge but not all porridge is oatmeal.

Technically when we talk about porridge it can be made from different things, not just oats but when we talk about oatmeal it is by definition oat based. However there is not difference in their making like both are made up using milk or water. Most of the people know both terms as the same thing.

Lastly, Porridge can have more than just oats in it. One thing is porridge can have add on's like vegetables, meat and other toppings as well.

on the other hand oatmeal can have oats in several forms:

• Rolled Oats
• Steel Cut Oats
• Overnight Oats
• Whole Oat Groats
• Irish Oats
• Scottish Oats

Conclusion

As the discussion started from my encounter with my friend talking about porridge vs oatmeal , I became very joyful that I thought of explaining everyone about the difference between oatmeal and porridge.
So in simple words  Porridge is a broader category while oatmeal is specific to oats.