NORWEGIAN PORRIDGE

What a delicious breakfast treat! This Norwegian porridge recipe is creamy, salty and sweet and is served with a sprinkle of cinnamon and dried cranberries on top. 

NORWEGIAN PORRIDGE RECIPE

WHAT IS PORRIDGE?

According to Wikipedia, porridge is a dish made by boiling ground, crushed, or chopped grain in water and/or milk, often with flavorings. It is usually served hot in a bowl.

Sounds bland and boring doesn’t it? I think most of us associate porridge with tastelessness or something that’s been overcooked and looks like baby food. Yuck!

But wait until you try GOOD porridge – WOW! Norwegians certainly know how to turn plain rice into something truly delectable.

So delicious in fact that even people who aren’t rice pudding fans (that’s you Ben) will scarf down a bowl of Norwegian porridge in record time.

And, aside from this yummy nordic preparation, there are a ton of Asian rice porridges that I adore like congee, jook and okayu.

But today is all about this delectably sweet, salty and incredibly warming Norwegian recipe!

PORRIDGE VS OATMEAL

Many of us (including me) have wondered at one point or another what the difference between porridge and oatmeal is. Are they the same?

Here are a couple of bullet points (and a lovely graphic!) that quickly answers this question.

SO, WHEN DO YOU EAT THIS TRADITIONAL NORWEGIAN FOOD?

Traditional Norwegian porridge (AKA: risgrøt or risengrynsgrøt) is usually served for lunch the day before Christmas.

The leftovers are then used to make riskrem (rice cream), a dessert made with cold rice porridge topped with whipped cream and raspberry (or strawberry) sauce. A whole almond is then hidden in the dessert and the person who finds it wins a marzipan candy in the shape of a pig.

Sounds like a fun and festive tradition to have with family and friends! Norwegian culture is so cool!

HOW DOES THIS NORWEGIAN PORRIDGE TASTE?

I gotta tell you… I’m a huge fan of risgrøt!

Not only is there an unreal buttery creaminess – it’s got the perfect balance of salty and sweet. And, oh… that lovely hint of vanilla!

The addition of dried cranberries gives this Norwegian porridge a pop of color and fruitiness. You can serve with or without the fruit – or even substitute cranberies for other dried fruits. I bet even nuts would work!

Play around with the toppings until you find the right combination for you – and enjoy it with a warm pumpkin spice latte!