There’s a rich and delicious food that’s made from that most healthful of grains, Oats. It’s warm and filling thick and toothsome, and is the foundation of breakfast for people all over the world. But where did Porridge originally come from?
Well, World Porridge Day celebrates the history and origins of this rich and delicious breakfast, and all of the health benefits they bring to those who indulge in them. Come with us as we explore the origins of this dish, and how it’s gone out to change the world and bring health and flavor to people everywhere.
History of World Porridge Day
Porridge, it so happens, is the traditional national dish of Scotland, and has been keeping the people of this country healthy for hundreds of years. Every year in the Scottish Highland Village of Carrbridge a competition is held, the World Porridge Making Championship, to determine the porridge champion who best exemplifies the flavor and experience of this food. But the Scots have always been known for having a progressive world view and to care deeply about people everywhere, and as such Carrbridge has come together with Mary’s Meals (https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/) to help provide rich nourishing porridge to children all over the world.
Mary’s Meals works to spread food to children all over the world, and work in far flung places like Malawi to help keep children fed throughout the school year. 500,000 children in 16 of the world’s poorest countries benefit from their efforts, the meal encouraging children to go to school and build their education so they can lead themselves, their communities, and their countries out of poverty.
Malawi, Haiti, Romania, Kenya, the Philippines, Bosnia, India, Liberia, Thailand, and Ecuador are just some of the places that Mary’s Meals works to make World Porridge Day make a difference.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Since World Porridge Day is also a day to help spread awareness for child hunger, donate to Mary’s Meals or The Hunger Project. If you can’t donate, host a porridge party to raise funds for hungry children.
Another great way to observe World Porridge Day is to make yourself a nice, warm bowl for breakfast. You could even have it for lunch or dinner.
Here is an excellent homemade porridge recipe to try:
Ingredients:
¼ cup pinhead oatmeal
¼ cup medium oatmeal
½ cup whole milk
1 cup water
Pinch of salt
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and toast the oats until they smell nice. Place the oats in a medium saucepan along with the milk and water. Bring slowly to a boil. Stir frequently. Turn down the heat and simmer. After five minutes, add the salt. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring regularly until it is the right consistency. Cover and allow to sit for five minutes. Add any delicious toppings of your choice.
Just remember, when eating your porridge, make sure it’s not too hot. That it’s not too cold. That it’s just right!
