No, porridge and oatmeal are not exactly the same, though they are often used interchangeably due to their similarities.
Let us see in detail:
Porridge
Definition: Porridge is a broad term that refers to a hot cereal. It usually prepared by boiling grains, vegetables, or legumes in milk or water. Till they reach a creamy consistency.
Ingredients: Porridge prepared with various grains. Say oats, rice, cornmeal, barley, millet, and more. It can also contain legumes or vegetables.
Varieties: Different cultures have different types of porridge. Say for example, congee (rice porridge) in China. Polenta (cornmeal porridge) in Italy. And cream of wheat in the United States.
Preparation: The grains or other ingredients will get cook in liquid. Till contents are soft and smashed and finally the mixture should become thick.
Oatmeal
Definition: Oatmeal refers to porridge made from oats. It is a type of porridge but is more specific in its ingredient.
Ingredients: Made from oats – In general rolled oats, steel-cut oats, or instant oats.
Varieties: Types of oatmeal include traditional rolled oats, quick oats, and steel-cut oats. Each differs in texture and cooking time.
Preparation: Oats gets cook in water or milk until they reach a thick, creamy consistency.
Key Differences
Scope: Porridge is a general term that includes oatmeal. But oatmeal in specific refers to porridge made from oats.
Ingredients: Porridge contains from a variety of grains. While oatmeal is only made from oats.
Varieties & Cultural Contexts: Porridge encompasses a wide range of dishes across different cultures. Whereas oatmeal is more associated with oats and is a staple in Western diets.
Conclusion
While oatmeal is a type of porridge, not all porridges are oatmeal. The key distinction lies in the ingredients and cultural variations.