You should stir your porridge sunwise (clockwise) with your right hand while sprinkling the oats into boiling water with your left.
Why Sunwise?
According to tradition, specifically Scottish tradition as highlighted by F Marian McNeill in "The Scots Kitchen," stirring porridge sunwise (clockwise) is the preferred method. This isn't just a random direction; there's a historical and perhaps even superstitious element to it.
Traditional Porridge Making
The traditional method involves:
- Boiling Water: Start with boiling water in your pot.
- Oat Introduction: Sprinkle the oats gradually from your left hand into the boiling water.
- Simultaneous Stirring: At the same time, stir briskly with your right hand in a clockwise (sunwise) direction.
Counter-Clockwise Considerations
While sunwise stirring is traditional, modern cooks may find that the most important thing is to stir consistently to prevent lumps and ensure even cooking, regardless of the direction. The primary goal is to create a smooth, creamy porridge.
Summary
While modern approaches emphasize technique and consistency, the traditional answer to which way you should stir your porridge is clockwise (sunwise) with your right hand, according to Scottish tradition.
