How should I prepare this porridge, and can it be eaten cold?

ELEO Kõrvitsapuder is an instant porridge: according to the label, you simply add boiling water and wait a few minutes for the grains to swell. The exact amount of water and standing time are given on the pack — it is best to follow them, as the manufacturer selects the proportions for this specific recipe.

A few practical tips that work for most instant porridges:

• Use boiling water — this is what the label specifies; water that is not hot enough will not let the porridge steep fully.
• After adding the water, cover the container with a lid or a plate for the standing time stated on the pack: this helps warm the whole mixture evenly.
• If you want a runnier consistency, add a little more water; for a thicker one, a little less.

Eating the porridge cold is technically possible, but instant pumpkin porridge is designed to be made hot: cold water will not steep the grains properly, and the texture will be unpleasant. If you want to take the porridge with you, it is easier to make it in advance in a vacuum flask or an insulated food container.

You can add toppings to taste: honey, nuts, dried fruit or a spoonful of vegetable oil go well with the pumpkin flavour and make breakfast more varied — this is common practice with instant porridges.