Who says porridge has to be boring? I’ve always been a huge porridge fan and go through phases where I eat it every morning. I usually make it on water and then let loose with the toppings. Oats will never be out of favour as a staple breakfast as long as you give a little attention to your toppings. Personalise your morning porridge using some of your favourite nutritious foods and your bowl of porridge will power you through to lunch time.
For sweetness, add apple sauce, berries, fruit, grated carrot, cinnamon and a little honey or apple syrup. For crunch add granola, quinoa pops or chopped nuts or seeds. For healthy fats and protein add nuts, seeds and nut and seed butters. Greek yogurt, quinoa pops, milk and even egg whites are also great additions for extra protein.
Keep scrolling for some topping inspo and I’d love to hear what your favourite toppings are; just share them in the comments.
Apple sauce, blueberries, pumpkin seeds and hemp seeds
Apple sauce is so easy to make. Just peel and core four apples and chop into bite size pieces. Place in a medium size saucepan along with two tablespoons of water and cook over a low heat for about 30 minutes. Once tender, remove from the heat and allow to cool before blending into a puree. Store in the fridge for up to a week. Spoon a few tablespoons over your porridge, add some blueberries, a tablespoon of shelled hemp seeds and toasted pumpkin seeds.
Blood orange, banana, quinoa crunch, almond butter and apple syrup
It's blood orange season and they are so good. Peel and add a few slices to your porridge along with a little almond butter, quinoa crunch and banana. Sweeten with apply syrup or honey. This one is my favourite.
Raspberries, raspberry chia jam, chia seeds and mint
Chia jam is so easy to make. Just take a pack of fozen raspberries and defrost them. Add them to a saucepan and heat gently, adding a little sweetener such as honey or maple syrup. Cook over a low heat for 30 minutes and then fold in a couple tablespoons of chia seeds to thicken. Dollop a few spoonfuls over warm porridge and add fresh berries and an extra sprinkling of chia seeds.
Banana, cashew nut butter and quinoa crunch
Banana and cashew nut butter is one of my favourite combinations. Add some quinoa crunch or granola for some texture and protein. I love this served with almond milk, but you can serve it with whatever milk you fancy.
Pomegranate, greek yogurt, dukkah and honey
Dukkah is a mix of toasted nuts, seeds and spices and adds a beautiful savoury flavour to your morning porridge. Balanced with greek yogurt, pomegranate and honey, this combination of toppings is Middle Eastern inspired.
