Recipe

Creamy Finnish Pearl Porridge

Velvety Delight: Finnish Pearl Porridge with a Twist

4.5 out of 5

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Finnish cuisine with this creamy and wholesome Pearl Porridge recipe. Made with the finest ingredients, this dish is a traditional Finnish delicacy that will warm your heart and soul.

Porridge› Helmipuuro

European cuisine› Northern European cuisine› Nordic cuisines› Finnish cuisine

Preparation time

10 minutes

Cooking time

1 hour

Total time

1 hour 10 minutes

Yields

4 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free pearl barley), Nut-free, Soy-free, Egg-free

Allergens

Milk

Not suitable for

Vegan (due to the use of milk), Dairy-free, Paleo, Keto, Low-carb

Ingredients

1 cup (200g) pearl barley 1 cup (200g) pearl barley
4 cups (950ml) whole milk 4 cups (950ml) whole milk
1/4 cup (50g) sugar 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
Cinnamon or lingonberry jam, for serving (optional) Cinnamon or lingonberry jam, for serving (optional)

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 2g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 12g
Protein: 9g
Fiber: 6g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and drain.
2.
In a large saucepan, combine the pearl barley, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
3.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
4.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the pearl barley is tender and the porridge has thickened, stirring occasionally.
5.
Remove from heat and let the porridge rest for a few minutes.
6.
Serve the porridge warm, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of lingonberry jam if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Pearl barley — Rinse the pearl barley before cooking to remove any impurities and ensure a clean taste.
Milk — Use whole milk for a rich and creamy texture. If desired, you can substitute with plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.

Tips & Tricks

For a twist, add a handful of raisins or chopped almonds to the porridge while cooking for added texture and flavor.
Adjust the sweetness according to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
Leftover porridge can be refrigerated and reheated the next day. Add a splash of milk while reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the Finnish Pearl Porridge warm in individual bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of lingonberry jam for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Garnish the porridge with a dusting of cinnamon or a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch. Serve it in beautiful ceramic bowls to enhance the visual appeal.