FOOD NEWS
Oatmeal Vs Porridge: The Difference Is All In The Oats
By Andra Picincu
Oatmeal and porridge may seem quite similar, but the key difference lies in the main ingredient that serves as the base. In fact, oatmeal is a type of porridge.
The word "porridge" describes any grain, cereal, or legume boiled in water or milk. It's an all-encompassing term for various dishes that are named after their base ingredients.
For example, grits, Cream of Wheat, congee, and arroz caldo are varieties of porridge that are made from different grains. If oats are the main ingredient, it’s called oatmeal.
These hearty meals have distinct nutritional profiles, depending on the ingredients used. They can both be served sweet or savory, though traditional porridge is typically savory.
Vegetables or grains like corn, rice, and barley are not typically used in oatmeal. Oatmeal toppings include honey, chocolate, peanut butter, fruit, coconut, or matcha powder.
Kasha is a common porridge in Eastern European countries. Some other types from around the world include upma (India), gugmelsgrød (Denmark), polenta (Italy), and genfo (Ethiopia).