Oatmeal Porridge with Cavolo Nero and Bacon is a modern British recipe for a savoury oatmeal porridge containing cavalo nero served topped with crispy bacon. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic British version of: Oatmeal Porridge with Cavolo Nero and Bacon.
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This recipe has several sources, some traditional. The combination of cooked oat-based porridge (actually broken oatmeal biscuits) and bacon is a traditional family recipe. The combination of porridge and greens is a common one in Nigeria. The idea of using pinhead oats comes from a similar recipe by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. I’ve used cavolo nero as I like it (but you could use kale, bitterleaf, dandelion greens or even savoy cabbage). What you have is a quick, cheap, tasty, filling and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
4 rashers streaky bacon
75g pinhead oatmeal
100g cavolo nero, leaves torn from the stalks and shredded
450ml chicken, vegetable or ham stock
20g butter
3 shallots, peeled and diced
1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped
Generous pinch of smoked paprika
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Method:
Heat the grill. Put the bacon on a small baking tray and grill for four to five minutes, until crisp. Keep warm.
Put the oatmeal in a sieve and give it a good shake to remove smaller grains. Rinse the sieved pinheads under the cold tap and set aside.
Bring the stock to a boil in a medium pan, add the kale and cook for three to four minutes, until just tender. Strain, reserving the stock, and squeeze any excess stock from the kale back into the pan.
Put a small saucepan over a gentle heat. Add the butter and, when foaming, add the shallot and garlic, and sweat for two to three minutes, without colouring. Add the oatmeal to the pan, cook for a minute, pour in the stock and bring to a simmer. Cook gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the oats are tender and the stock has been absorbed. You want a loose consistency like that of traditional breakfast porridge, so if it seems too dry, add a splash more stock.
Roughly chop the squeezed-out kale and stir through the porridge. Season generously, then spoon into warmed plates or bowls, top with the crisp bacon and serve.
