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This wholesome overnight porridge combines six different grains for a nutritious breakfast that practically cooks itself while you sleep. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a creamy, hearty morning meal that will keep you satisfied until lunch.
I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy week when morning meal prep seemed impossible. After trying it once, my entire household was converted to this no-fuss breakfast approach that still feels special and nourishing.
Ingredients
- Steel-cut oats: Provide exceptional texture and nutty flavor while containing more fiber than rolled varieties
- Short-grain brown rice: Adds creaminess and subtle sweetness while offering complete protein
- Millet: Brings mild flavor and valuable minerals including magnesium and phosphorus
- Whole-grain barley: Contributes chewy texture and impressive fiber content for digestive health
- Wild rice: Offers distinctive flavor and higher protein content than other rice varieties
- Polenta or corn grits: Add silky consistency and gentle sweetness to balance the heartier grains
- Ground flaxseed: Boosts omega-3 fatty acids and adds subtle nutty notes
- Salt: Enhances all flavors and brings balance to the mixture
- Water: Transforms these simple ingredients through slow cooking into a cohesive porridge
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add all grains, flaxseed, salt and water to your slow cooker insert. The precise measuring of each grain creates the perfect balance of textures in the final porridge. Take care to stir briefly to ensure all dry ingredients are fully moistened before cooking begins.
- Set Your Slow Cooker:
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the temperature to low. This gentle heat allows the grains to slowly absorb liquid and release their starches. Eight hours is the ideal cooking time to achieve the perfect consistency without any grains becoming mushy.
- Stir Before Serving:
- After the cooking cycle completes, remove the lid and stir the porridge thoroughly. The bottom may appear slightly thicker than the top, so proper stirring incorporates all textures. This also helps distribute the flaxseed evenly throughout the mixture.
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The barley in this recipe completely transforms during slow cooking. When I first created this porridge, I was skeptical about including it, but now consider it the secret ingredient that gives this breakfast its uniquely satisfying texture. Something magical happens as it releases its starches overnight.
Customizing Your Porridge
This porridge creates the perfect canvas for both sweet and savory toppings. For sweet variations, try fresh berries, sliced banana, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Savory enthusiasts might enjoy adding a poached egg, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning. The neutral base adapts beautifully to whatever ingredients you have available.
Make-Ahead Meal Prep
Once cooled, this porridge keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to five days. Store in individual containers for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to restore the creamy consistency, then microwave for approximately 90 seconds, stirring halfway through. The texture remains remarkably consistent even after refrigeration.
Nutritional Benefits
This multi-grain porridge delivers an impressive nutritional profile that single-grain breakfasts cannot match. The combination provides complementary amino acids for complete protein, various fiber types for digestive health, and a spectrum of vitamins and minerals. The slow cooking process also makes nutrients more bioavailable compared to quick-cooking methods. This breakfast particularly excels at providing sustained energy without the mid-morning crash associated with high-sugar alternatives.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute any of the grains in this porridge?
Yes, you can substitute any of the grains based on your preference or what you have available. Just maintain the same total proportions. Quinoa, amaranth, or buckwheat would work well as alternatives.
- → How long does this porridge keep in the refrigerator?
The cooked multigrain porridge will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Reheat portions with a splash of milk or water.
- → What are some good toppings for this porridge?
Fresh fruits like berries or sliced bananas, toasted nuts, seeds, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, a dash of cinnamon, or a dollop of yogurt all make excellent toppings.
- → Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer it on the stovetop on low heat for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, or use a rice cooker on the porridge setting.
- → Is this porridge freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Portion the cooled porridge into individual containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with a little extra liquid.
- → How can I adjust the texture if I prefer thicker or thinner porridge?
For thicker porridge, reduce the water by 1-2 cups. For thinner porridge, add more liquid when reheating or initially use up to 9 cups of water.