What exactly is the salt for when making oatmeal porridge?

What exactly is the salt for when making oatmeal porridge? - Served table with breakfast on street

As per the instructions on the oatmeal package, I make it like this:

  1. I take a bowl.
  2. I put 1 dl oatmeal into it.
  3. I put 2 dl water on top of it.
  4. I put 0.65 grams of salt on top of it.
  5. I mix them together with a spoon.
  6. I microwave it at 750 watts for 2 minutes.
  7. I take it out and mix it with the spoon again.
  8. I wait for a few seconds and then apply a spoon of lingonberry "jam" (the kind where you can see individual berries).
  9. I pour some milk over this and eat it.

What exactly is the salt for? Is it purely for taste, or does it actually cause some kind of chemical reaction which makes it cook properly or something?

saltoatmeal


Best Answer

There are several reasons to use salt in cooking. From that source, the UK Salt Association (yes, that is apparently a thing!), salt is used as:

  • Seasoning
  • Preservative
  • Binding agent (in meat products)
  • Color Controller (in meat products and baked goods)
  • Texture aid (in meat products, baked goods and cheese)
  • Fermentation controller (in baked products and cheese)

The only one of these that applies to your recipe, is seasoning.

Note that apart from tasting 'salty', salt is also a known flavour enhancer which can improve the taste of food and drinks without making them salty. This is why salt is often used even in sweet applications, and occasionally even in cocktails.



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Quick Answer about "What exactly is the salt for when making oatmeal porridge?"

The only one of these that applies to your recipe, is seasoning. Note that apart from tasting 'salty', salt is also a known flavour enhancer which can improve the taste of food and drinks without making them salty.

Why do you need salt in porridge?

An important thing so many people forget is salt. It adds depth to the porridge and will bring out the sweetness of any toppings \u2013 so add a pinch of the stuff as it's coming to the boil and mix it all around.

Why do you add a pinch of salt to oatmeal?

Don't forget to add salt to your oatmeal After about the second spoonful, to be precise. That's because salt is a flavor enhancer, and when it comes to oatmeal, it brings out the natural nutty, slightly toasted flavor of the oats \u2014 and those are flavors that work whether your final dish is going to be sweet or savory.

How do I make my porridge thicker?

Adding water or milk to porridge Too much milk will make your oatmeal porridge stickier and thicker.

Why does my oatmeal taste bland?

2. Cook Oats in Milk to Boost Flavor and Protein. \u201cNot only does oatmeal made with water taste bland, but you're also missing out on the extra protein that milk adds to your breakfast,\u201d Mauney says.


How to Make Perfect Porridge - 5 Ways | Jamie Oliver



Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Maria Orlova, Maria Orlova, Yan Krukov, ANTONI SHKRABA

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