Porridge Variations
I'm sure you've heard a million times "breakfast is the most important meal of the day". As dull as it may be to hear, it's true. Whatever it is you may do from day-to-day, its important to start on the right foot. I have a tendency to snack throughout the day, so for me it's about finding a breakfast that releases energy slowly. Often after eating a bowl of cereal I'd feel raring to go, then two hours later I'd be hungry again and picking at whatever I could find!
One of the only breakfasts that does manage to keep me full all the way through to lunch is porridge. I've always been a lover of porridge, I find it so comforting in the winter with a squeeze of honey on top and raisins throughout. So the fact it also gives me a slow releasing, energy packed breakfast is just a bonus. But we all know having the same breakfast day after day does become very tedious. Hence why I have made this post to help you liven up your morning!
I've listed below the staple porridge measurements I use for one portion, as well as a number of possible variations. But don't feel like you have to stick to these because the possibilities truly are endless! I often just use whatever fresh fruit I have in the fridge.
Notes:
-Use whichever kind of oats you prefer. I personally use Flahavan's oats or Quaker jumbo oats
-Some of the recipe variations use forms of Alpro soya milk however you can use other alternatives.
-To make any of these recipes dairy-free simply replace the semi-skimmed milk with Alpro soya milk (or alternative). Please note that it may take longer to thicken.
The classic porridge: Serves 1
Ingredients:
-45g oats
-300ml semi-skimmed milk
-10g raisins (optional)
Possible toppings:
-A squeeze of honey
-Fresh fruit compote
-Nut butters
-Seeds
-Fresh fruit
-Desiccated coconut
-Nuts
Method:
-Add the milk and oats to a pan over a low/medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until your preferred consistency. Stir regularly.
-Add your choice of toppings.
-Enjoy.
Toppings pictured above: Fresh fruit compote, banana, peanut butter, pecans, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds and sunflower seeds.
Chocolate and almond porridge: Serves 1
Ingredients:
-45g oats
-150ml semi-skimmed milk
-150ml dark chocolate and almond Alpro soya milk
-10g raisins (optional)
Possible toppings:
-Nuts
-Banana
-Blueberries
-Raspberries
-Nut spreads
-Desiccated coconut
-Seeds
-Orange
-Fresh fruit compote
Method:
-Add the milk and oats to a pan over a low/medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until your preferred consistency. Stir regularly.
-Add your choice of toppings.
-Enjoy.
Toppings pictured above: Almonds, blueberries, desiccated coconut, chocolate almond butter and oats.
Coconut porridge: Serves 1
Ingredients:
-45g oats
-150ml semi-skimmed milk
-150ml Alpro soya coconut milk
-10g raisins (optional)
Possible Toppings:
-Nuts
-Banana
-Blueberries
-Raspberries
-Pomegranate seeds
-Nut spreads
-Desiccated coconut
-Seeds
-Fresh fruit compote
Method:
-Add the milk and oats to a pan over a low/medium heat for 15-20 minutes, or until your preferred consistency. Stir regularly. Coconut milk often takes longer than normal to thicken.
-Add your choice of toppings.
-Enjoy.
Toppings pictured above: Almonds, pomegranate seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds and desiccated coconut.
Berry porridge: Serves 1
Ingredients:
-45g oats
-300ml semi-skimmed milk
-A handful of fresh berries smashed up
Possible Toppings:
-Nuts
-Banana
-Blueberries
-Blackberries
-Raspberries
-Pomegranate seeds
-Nut spreads
-Seeds
-Fresh fruit compote
Method:
-Add the milk and oats to a pan over a low/medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until your preferred consistency. Stir regularly.
-Add your choice of toppings.
-Enjoy.
Toppings pictured above: Raspberries, blackberries, pomegrante seeds, sunflower seeds and chia seeds.
Thanks for taking the time to read my post, I hope you found the recipe useful. I'd love to see your creations, so please feel free to tag me in your photos on Instagram - @beethamsbaking