Porridge is a dish made by boiling grains, legumes, or starchy plants like oats, rice, cornmeal, or barley in water or milk until it reaches a soft, thick, and creamy consistency. It’s often eaten as a breakfast food and can be sweetened with sugar, honey, or fruit, or flavored with spices and other ingredients.
Common examples include oatmeal, rice porridge (like congee), and millet porridge. The specific ingredients and preparation vary widely across cultures and regions.
Not to be confused with grits; a specific type of porridge made from corn, with a distinct texture and cultural role, while porridge is a broader category encompassing many grains and preparations.