Porridge
Porridge, also known in American English as hot cereal, is a soft food made by boiling oats (normally crushed oats, occasionally oatmeal) or another meal in water or milk. Oat and semolina porridge are by far the most popular varieties; some other meals used for porridge include wheat, peasemeal, barley, or cornmeal. In many cultures it is eaten as a breakfast, often with the addition of sugar or cream. Some manufacturers of breakfast cereal sell "ready-made" versions; aficionados question whether these can truly be called porridge.
Gruel is a thin porridge made with water.
A recipe for Porridge
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Mix oats and water, then bring to the boil covered with a lid. Once bubbling, stir and reduce temperature to the lowest possible to maintain simmering. Replace lid and watch carefully to prevent boiling over. Stir every minute or so. After five minutes, remove lid, stir thoroughly and add 3/4 cup of milk. Mix through, and keep stirring until homogenous. Serve and add sugar, a pinch of salt, honey or inverted sugar syrup to taste.
See also grits, mush, Rice congee.
For the British TV comedy, see Porridge (TV).