I've been a fan of porridge for years, but recently I switched to this oat bran porridge. It's quicker to make, and is even more nutritious than oatmeal porridge. The texture is creamier, and the flavour is a little nuttier and sweeter. Why not give it a try?
Why use oat bran?
Of course oatmeal, which is a whole rolled oat grain, is a very healthy choice. But it's worth including oat bran in your diet too.
Oat bran is the outer husk of the oat grain which has been milled to a fine texture. It's nearly 50% higher in fibre than oatmeal, and higher in key minerals including magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. It's also a good source of calcium and iron, and is a very rich source of beta glucan which is known for its heart health benefits. Oat bran is also rich in antioxidants.
Oat bran is lower in fat than oatmeal. Whilst you might not want to limit your fat intake too much, this does mean that a bowl of oat bran porridge is much lower in calories than oatmeal.
The combination of protein and fibre also means that oat bran porridge is a very filling breakfast which will keep you energised for the whole morning.
Like oats, oat bran is naturally gluten free. But both may become contaminated with gluten during processing, so make sure that you buy labelled gluten free oat bran if you are sensitive to gluten.
You can also make overnight oats with oat bran.
Ingredients
Oat bran. Most of the major supermarkets now sell oat bran, usually alongside the oats and other cereal. It's also available at health stores. If you are sensitive to gluten, make sure your oat bran is labelled gluten free.
You might also like these pancakes made with oat bran.
Milk. You can use whichever type of milk you prefer. Skimmed or whole milk, dairy or non dairy. I use a mix of half milk, half water to make this oat bran porridge.
Salt. I never used to add salt to my porridge, thinking that was just for the hardy Scots. But a small pinch of salt does bring out the sweetness of the oat bran. It's totally optional though.
Optional ingredients
A pinch of cinnamon will add extra sweetness.
You could also try a spiced porridge with tumeric and ginger, you can use either oats or oat bran in the recipe. Or for a more indulgent breakfast, try this healthy chocolate porridge, or peanut butter porridge.
How to make oat bran porridge
I've given precise measurements in the recipe below, but for speed, I use ⅓ cup of oatmeal, ½ cup milk and ½ cup water per portion of porridge.
The fine texture of oat bran means that this porridge cooks really quickly.
Add the milk, water, oat bran and salt if using to a pan. Place over a medium heat and bring to the boil, stirring constantly. The porridge will thicken as it comes to the boil. Continue to stir for another minute, then remove from the heat.
How to serve
Toppings are definitely an important part of oat bran porridge! Not only do they taste delicious, they also make it look much more attractive. I like to add a little bit of extra milk, and some fruit and nuts. The porridge is naturally quite sweet, but you could add a drizzle of honey if you prefer. Some of my favourite toppings are:
- Blueberry and almond
- Banana and pecan
- Pear and walnut
Oat bran porridge also works well with a topping of cooked fruit such as stewed pears, stewed rhubarb and apple or stewed plums with honey. Or this easy blackcurrant sauce will add some extra vitamin C. Add a handful of sunflower or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
Or enjoy your porridge with some low sugar jam or fig paste. These sugar free stewed fruit recipes also make great toppings for porridge.
Oat bran porridge can be made in advance and reheated, but as it is so quick and easy to make I don't usually prepare it ahead of time.
Frequently asked questions
Both oatmeal (or porridge oats) and oat bran are really good for your health. But oat bran is even higher in fibre, beta glucans, and a number of important minerals. Oat bran is also lower in fat and calories.
Both are made from the outer husk of the grain - either wheat or oats. Although both are a source of fibre, wheat bran is made from insoluble fibre (sometimes know as roughage). Oat bran is rich in soluble fibre, and is naturally gluten free. For this recipe, you'll need oat bran. Wheat bran has a very different texture and won't work in this recipe.
You might also like to browse other healthy breakfast recipes. They are all low in added sugar and gluten free.
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Recipe
Oat Bran Porridge
Ingredients
- 35 g oat bran about ⅓ of a cup
- 120 ml milk skimmed or whole milk, dairy or non dairy
- 120 ml water
- pinch salt optional
Instructions
- Add the oat bran, milk, water and salt to a pan and place on a medium heat.35 g oat bran, 120 ml milk, 120 ml water, pinch salt
- Bring to the boil, stirring constantly. Simmer and stir for one minute, then remove from the heat.
- Add your toppings and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Please note nutritional information is per serving and is provided for guidance only.
Bob P says
Thanks, just what I was looking for. I’ll be trying the microwave version I think.
Ann says
I tried the same ingredients and microwaved for 2 minutes stirred then microwaved one more minute. Delicious!
Wendy Faulkner says
Thank you very much. That's very helpful to know you can microwave oat bran porridge too!
Ruby says
Me too!
Caz says
Really glad I found this, I'm converted. Easy to make, creamy to eat. Thanks for sharing.
Wendy says
So glad, thank you:)