Sometimes, there’s nothing you want more than a warm bowl of mush. After all, the temptation of this hot cereal almost got Goldilocks killed. And despite appearances, porridge doesn’t have to be bland or boring. Once you have your grain base, you can go wild with toppings, whether it’s woodsy mushrooms or sweet coconuts. A bowl of warm porridge is perfect for your next fall breakfast or can be a handy recipe for when you want to use that last bit of butternut squash this season. Whether you’re searching for a simple morning meal or a chance to experience the way other cultures eat breakfast, our best porridge recipes might have you craving mush every morning.
In Minnesota’s “Finnish Triangle,” vispipuuro, a sweet, whipped, pudding-like porridge, is sometimes made with a tart wild fruit called the highbush cranberry. Get the recipe for Finnish Whipped Porridge with Yogurt Cream (Vispipuuro)
Like many traditional Emirati desserts, luscious pumpkin porridge (in Arabic it’s a halvah, or sweet food) straddles the line between sweet and savory. The dish thickens as it cools, so be sure to serve it while it’s still quite warm.
This deeply satisfying dish of spiced meat and creamy wheat berries is most often made with lamb, but it’s particularly delicious when made with chicken.