The return of snowy weather and icy conditions has sent many of us in search of comforting, filling breakfasts. Porridge is one of the simplest choices, as it is quick and easy to make.
But it isn’t just an early morning option. The cereal is gaining popularity as a savoury food too, with recipes for ‘oatsotto’ (a take on risotto) going mainstream.
It has even gone gourmet, with Heston Blumenthal serving a savoury porridge in his London restaurant, Dinner. There is a simple recipe below that turns porridge oats into a hot, savoury snack made in minutes.
However, for most of us, porridge means a big, comforting bowl of goodness, topped with something fruity, sweet, or maybe even spicy, in a cinnamon way, rather than with chilli.
Here are some recipes to inspire you to ring the changes with your daily bowl:
Five O’Clock Somewhere
Ingredients
4 scoops of water or milk (120mls)
2 scoops of quick porridge oats (30g)
1 banana, chopped (best if overripe)
1 tbsp desiccated coconut
Half tsp cinnamon powder
Method
1. Add 2 level scoops of oats, half a chopped banana, coconut, and to a deep bowl.
2. Pour in 4 scoops of cold water/milk
3. Microwave for 2 minutes
4. Top the remaining half banana and sprinkle of cinnamon, leave to cool for 1 minute.
Wok-in-a-Pot
Ingredients
4 scoops of water (120mls)
2 scoops of quick porridge oats (30gs)
2 tbsp mixed vegetables (frozen or from can)
Quarter tsp cumin powder
A pinch of turmeric
1 tsp (or to taste) sriracha sauce (or any hot sauce)
Juice of one lime
Method
1. In a microwaveable mug or bowl, add water, oats, vegetables, spices and sriracha sauce and mix well
2. Microwave for 2 minutes
3. Add lime juice, leave to cool for 1 minute.
The Wake-Up Call
Ingredients
4 scoops of water or milk (120mls)
2 scoops of quick oats (30gs)
2 tsps instant coffee
1 tbsp Maple syrup
Handful of pecans
Method
1. Add 2 level scoops of oats and instant coffee to a deep bowl.
2. Pour in 4 scoops of cold water/milk and stir
3. Microwave for 2 minutes
4. Top with pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup, leave to cool for 1 minute.
The Protein Punch
Ingredients
4 scoops of water or milk (120mls)
2 scoops of porridge oats (30gs)
1 egg white
1 tsp cashew nut butter
Pinch of cinnamon
1 tsp dark chocolate chips (optional)
Method
1. Add oats and egg white to a deep bowl.
2. Add milk/water and stir well
3. Microwave for 2 minutes
4. Top with cashew nut butter, cinnamon and dark chocolate chips
5. Leave to cool for 1 minute.
Choc-full Of Ideas
Ingredients
4 scoops of water or milk (120mls)
2 scoops of quick porridge oats (30gs)
1 tsp 100% cocoa powder
Handful of raspberries
1 tsp of coconut flakes
Method
1. Add oats and cocoa powder into a bowl and stir to ensure all ingredients are mixed and that the cocoa powder is free of lumps.
2. Add milk or water and stir.
3. Microwave for 2 minutes
4. Stir and top with raspberries and coconut flakes
5. Leave to cool for 1 minute.
On-The-Goji
Ingredients
4 scoops of water or milk (120mls)
2 scoops of quick porridge oats (30gs)
1 tbsp of goji berries
1 tbsp of chopped mango
2 chopped dates
Method
1. Add oats and water/milk to a deep microwaveable bowl and stir well
2. Microwave for 2 minutes
3. Stir and then top with mango, goji berries and dates
4. Leave to cool for 1 minute.
So Matcha Do, So Little Time
Ingredients
4 scoops of water or milk (120mls)
2 scoops of quick porridge oats (30gs)
2 tsp matcha green tea mix
Toppings: Red Berry Granola
Method
1. Add oats, matcha and water/milk to a deep microwaveable bowl and stir well
2. Microwave for 2 minutes
3. Top with red berry granola
4. Leave to cool for 1 minute.
PB&J Pot
Ingredients
4 scoops of water or milk (120mls)
2 scoops of quick porridge oats (30gs)
1 tsp of strawberry jam
1 tsp of almond butter
2 chopped fresh strawberries
Handful of flaked almonds
Method
1. Measure 2 level scoops of oats into a microwaveable bowl
2. Add 4 scoops of cold water/milk in a deep bowl allowing over an inch at the top of the bowl for the oats to cook
3. Microwave on high for 2 minutes and stir in jam and almond butter
4. Scatter over strawberries and flaked almonds
5. Leave to cool for 1 minute.
