Hercules (porridge) is the same oatmeal. Even 1000 years ago BC, this cereal was known in Rome and Greece. However, it was not as successful as it is now; it was considered an inedible product and cultivated as feed for livestock. The origin of Hercules began in Scotland. In the 13th century, the Scots cooked various stews from oats, added to vegetable stews and sometimes to meat dishes for satiety.
A little later, at the beginning of the 16th century - at the time when the Scottish settlements migrated to America, oat soup was transformed into delicious porridge, the chefs began to create interesting culinary masterpieces and recipes that were overgrown with traditions and legends. One of these legends tells that when cooking porridge it should be stirred only with the right hand, moving clockwise so as not to attract black forces. They washed this dish with cold milk.
The Scots cooked oats daily, but in England they fed them only horses. But this is not for long - after some time, hercules (porridge from oats) became widespread in England and America. In 1877, an American company that distributes oats developed a new method for cutting oats with steam, which resulted in oat (herculean) flakes that the Russian people loved so much.
As you know, this cereal is not only very satisfying, but very useful for the proper functioning of the intestines. It is valued for its valuable property of lowering blood cholesterol. As nutritionists advise, this porridge is best consumed for breakfast, as It contains a lot of carbohydrates, therefore it is a high-calorie dish. To reduce its calorie content, you need to cook hercules in water without adding oil.
Hercules is an affordable product in Russia. But, despite its usefulness, for some reason many people, especially children, are not enthusiastic about it. To make porridge from Hercules become cute, show some imagination.
Some will say: “Why invent when cereals with various additives are sold in stores?” Undoubtedly, the ready-made mixture is easiest to cook - filled with hot milk or water and eat for health. That is true, but the Hercules porridge cooked at home with natural berries, fruits and using natural milk is much tastier.
The child’s body does not particularly want to stuff with preservatives and artificial additives, so take a little time and experiment with croup yourself.
And we will show you how to cook the oatmeal porridge so that it is healthy and tasty.
Herculean porridge with fruits
Ingredients:
- oatmeal 100 gr.;
- milk 400 gr.;
- banana;
- an Apple;
- orange.
- butter, sugar, a pinch of salt.
As soon as the milk boils, add flakes to it and cook, stirring, for no more than 10 minutes, then add salt and sugar. Leave under the lid for 3-5 minutes.
Put some butter in the porridge. Grate the peeled apple with a banana. Cut the orange into small cubes. Add fruit assortment to a serving, you can pour honey on top or sprinkle with grated chocolate - you will lick your fingers!
Hercules - porridge with the addition of dried fruits
Required Products:
- oat flakes 200 gr.;
- 300 g of milk and water;
- olive oil;
- a mixture of dried fruits: dried apricots, dates, figs, prunes, raisins;
- sugar, salt.
We boil the milk in half with water and pour the oatmeal into it. While the flakes are boiling, we prepare the dried fruits. Rinse well and cut into pieces (except for raisins) and add to oatmeal with sugar and salt. Stew for about 10 minutes. When the porridge is ready, add a little olive oil to it to give a piquant taste.
Remember that one serving of Hercules contains ¼ of the daily fiber, and, as you know, it contributes to the normalization of the intestinal tract. It can be used to prevent dysbiosis and flatulence. Also, porridge is recommended for people with heart disease, suffering from gastritis and a stomach ulcer. The antioxidants contained in it improve the immune system, cereal fibers cleanse the body of heavy metals and toxic substances.