Savory Porridge Recipe with Turmeric, Kimchi & Fried Eggs

A savory porridge for dinner? Why not? Oat is really just another whole grain. (It is one, we should mention, with a history as an aphrodisiac. Learn more about the aphrodisiac side of oats.) And the steel cut oats called for in this recipe – oats that have been chopped up rather than rolled – have a texture reminiscent of other grains that have been slow cooked.

RELATED: The aphrodisiac and health benefits of oats

A savory porridge recipe for dinnertime or any time

This porridge recipe was sent to us by Flahavan’s Oats. Sure, this Irish oat company has been milling oats since the 1700’s. But we were surprised that they were bold enough to bring out the sexy side of oats, with a hot and savory dish like this one. Blending Irish porridge with Korean kimchi? It’s a brave and startlingly inspired culinary mashup. And we love it!

The technique for this steel cut oats recipe starts with the same basic way you’d make any steel cut oatmeal. A porridge made from steel cut oats cooks more slowly than one using rolled oats. That’s because steel cut oats are minimally processed. They’re simply oat groats that have been chopped into smaller pieces. This makes them more dense than rolled oats and they require a longer cooking time.

This recipe cooks them as you would any steel cut oat porridge except that instead of using hot water, it calls for vegetable stock. As with any pot of steel cut oats, you must stir fairly continuously while they cook to prevent sticking and scorching. Also be sure to follow the instruction to season with salt and pepper during cooking to bring out the natural flavor of the oats as well as the turmeric, ginger and shallot simmering with the porridge.

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Savory oatmeal with egg is nourishing and aphrodisiac

We mentioned that the oats at the base of this dish are not only a nutritious whole grain but they’re aphrodisiac. But it’s the aphrodisiac spices used to flavor the oats that we think makes this savory oats recipe compelling.

RELATED: The Benefits of Oats for Men’s Health

Both the turmeric and ginger cooked with the porridge are historically aphrodisiac. Ginger is associated with warming the body. And turmeric is associated both with testosterone production and with improving circulation. Learn more about the health benefits of turmeric.

Then, of course, there’s the kimchi that garnishes the dish. A fiery condiment, kimchi boasts a healthy serving of chile pepper, one of our favorite aphrodisiacs. And we would be remiss if we didn’t point out that eggs, symbols of fertility in many cultures, are also held in regard among the world’s most popular aphrodisiacs.

RELATED: What is an aphrodisiac food?

To make a savory vegan porridge

With the exception of the egg, this oatmeal recipe is entirely vegan. (Be sure to check the ingredients in your kimchi to ensure that it does not contain honey.) You can make this savory oatmeal without the egg for a satisfying and nutritious, completely plant-based meal.

TO TRY: Don’t miss this recipe for Cacao and Raspberry Oats

Turmeric Steel Cut Oats with Kimchi and Fried Egg

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This recipe transforms steel cut oats into something exotic by adding savory ingredients like kimchi and spice. Serve with a fried egg for a complete, vegetarian meal. 

Course Breakfast, Main Course

Cuisine aphrodisiac

Cooking Style Vegetarian

Diet and Health Healthy

Ingredient eggs

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 40 mins

Total Time 45 mins

Servings 2

Author Flahavan's Oats

Ingredients

• 1 shallot
• 1 in . piece of fresh ginger
• 1 tsp . black sesame seeds
• 1 tsp . white sesame seeds
• 2 tsp . coconut oil
• 1 tsp . dried turmeric
• ½ cup Irish Steel Cut Oats
• 3 ¾ cups vegetable stock
• Salt and black pepper
• 2 free range eggs
• 3.5 oz . kimchi
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

• Finely chop the shallot, then peel and grate the ginger.
• Toast the sesame seeds in a dry frying pan for 2 minutes until fragrant, and put to one side for later.
• Add 1 tsp. of coconut oil to a medium sized saucepan over a medium heat and sauté the shallot and ginger until soft.
• Add the turmeric and sauté for a further 1 minute, before adding in the Irish oatmeal and hot vegetable stock.
• Continue cooking the oats for 30-40 minutes, stirring from time to time to prevent them from sticking. Season with salt and plenty of freshly-milled black pepper.
• In the meantime, add 1 tsp. of coconut oil to a small frying pan over a medium heat and fry the eggs to your liking.
• Spoon the turmeric porridge into two shallow bowls. Top each bowl with some of the kimchi and a fried egg. Sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds and fresh coriander leaves to serve.

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