Spelt Porridge – Nourishing Breakfast Favorite!

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This hearty and comforting spelt porridge is the perfect alternative to oatmeal and, in my opinion, tastes even better! Soaked spelt berries increases the digestibility and nutrition of this nourishing yet comforting breakfast.

Especially in the winter, when the chickens may not be laying as well, this is one of our family’s favorite breakfasts. Make it sweet by topping it with fruit and nuts or savory by adding some shredded cheese and chopped bacon or ham—both ways are delicious!

What is Spelt?

Spelt in an ancient grain that’s even more nutritious than common wheat. An ancient grain means that it has remained unchanged for hundreds, if not thousands of years. In fact, research has found that spelt traces back to 3000 B.C. in Mesopotamia.

Spelt is unique because it retains almost all of its nutritional value in the kernel, even after processing. Spelt is a good source of fiber, thiamine, niacin, iron, and, and potassium.

Soaking Spelt Berries?

Soaking the spelt berries overnight with water is an important process to help make them more digestible. This is because the soaking process helps to break down phytic acid, a compound that can inhibit nutrient absorption. Soaking them also makes them cook more quickly since the grains are softened.

Adding a small amount (1 tablespoon) of an acid, like lemon juice or vinegar, can help to enhance this process.

Ingredients and Substitutions:

Spelt Berries – We love spelt for its added nutrition and the nutty flavor that it provides. However, any type of wheat berries can be substituted in this recipe. Our favorite place for purchasing spelt berries in bulk is Azure Standard.

Milk/Water – Making spelt porridge involves cooking it in a combination of milk and water. However, this recipe is extremely flexible. It could be cooked in just water or only milk, or our favorite, a combination of both. Sometimes, we even substitute some of the milk for cream for an extra creamy version. Yum!

Butter – This can be omitted if needed, but adding a small amount of butter helps to enhance this porridge.

Sea Salt

How to Make Spelt Porridge

The night before you will make your porridge, measure out the spelt berries and fill with enough water to cover the spelt berries by an inch or two. To increase the digestibility, you can add 1 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar to the water.

In the morning, strain the water from the berries.

Place the berries in the container of a high-powered blender (we love our Vitamix) or food processor. If we are making a double batch, we do this in 2 separate batches to not overload the blender.

Pulse the berries for around 1 minute until they resemble the texture of steel-cut oats. The idea is to have the spelt berries cracked but not be turned into one solid clump. With the Vitamix, avoid mixing at high powder. I like to keep it at around speed control 6-8 and use the tamper to mix it.

Once the spelt berries are blended, set them aside.

In a large saucepan or dutch oven, add milk, water, butter and salt and bring the liquid mixture to a gentle boil.

Once it’s reached a gentle boil, add in the blended spelt berries.

Cook over medium-high heat stirring regularly. Over time (around 20-30 minutes), the mixture will thicken and turn into a creamy porridge. 

Serve with your favorite mix-ins. For a sweeter version, some ideas include: fruit, raisins, nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup. To make it savory, sprinkle with shredded cheese, chopped bacon or ham, sauteed onions, or chives.

It will continue to thicken as it cools—add a splash of milk to thin it out if needed.

Can you make spelt porridge in advance?

Yes! Spelt porridge can always be made ahead of time and reheated as needed. However, it will thicken as it cools, so you’ll likely need to add a little bit of milk or water to thin it out unless you like it really thick.

Can spelt porridge be frozen?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing spelt porridge because it contains milk. The texture changes significantly when frozen, making it not as appetizing.

Spelt Porridge Recipe

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

– 1.5 cups spelt berries
– 2.5 cups whole milk
– 2 cups water (plus more for soaking)
– 1 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Measure out the spelt berries and pour them into a bowl. Pour enough water into the bowl to cover them by a solid inch or two.

2. In the morning, strain the water from the spelt berries.

3. Add the berries to the container of a high-powered blender or food processor.

4. Pulse the berries until they resemble the consistency of steel cut oats. Try to avoid them becoming one massive clump.

5. Once blended, set aside.

6. Add milk, water, butter, and salt to a large sauce pan or dutch oven and bring to a gentle boil.

7. Once boiling, add the spelt berries to the pot.

8. Stir often over medium heat for about 20-30 minutes until a thick, creamy porridge is formed.

Serve with desired mix-ins and enjoy!

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For More of our Favorite Breakfast Recipes:

Soaked and Baked Oatmeal
Blueberry Oat Pancakes
Blender Banana Oat Muffins

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