Learning to love porridge with chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla
What are your first associations of hearing the word porridge?
How many get a sparkling reaction of a yummy upcoming treat?
One thing I can tell is that until few weeks ago, every time I heard the word “porridge” I shuddered. Literally. Funny enough, I don’t even remember eating it, ever, but the whole idea of “porridge” never seemed appetising to start with.
Which brings to the next thing, I’m not sure what sort of lightning struck me lately, but having tried porridge once a couple of weeks back (out of sheer curiosity) I am now addicted to the stuff. Yes, with some love and a couple of perks it can be good, even dessert like good.
Why should you be eating oats?
There are so many reasons; I don’t even know where to begin.
Calorie conscious eaters should know that oats are generally low in calories and fill up the stomach longer, so you will have less food cravings. They’re also high in fibre, protein, but low in fat, and contain plenty of amino acids (which help for the optimum functioning of the body) and vitamins (vitamins E, folic acid, biotin and magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, selenium and manganese).
Oats also help to lower “bad cholesterol” (you know, the one that clots the arteries) without affecting the levels of “good cholesterol” and help to reduce high blood pressure, and if you fancy running as I do, it’s one of the foods for enhancing performance.
The reasons above barely scratch the surface of all benefits, why you should be eating oats (granola is also great way to consume oats, but it’s also nice to try something different for variety sake)
I’ve been working on a couple of recipes the last weeks, to make porridge dessert like and today’s porridge has been on the top of the list, especially as in includes pomegranates which are now high in season and are ridiculously good for you (full of antioxidants and things like that).
I mean how can you not like something that involves caramelized bananas, cinnamon, vanilla and chocolate?
Note: if you will be using quick oats, you should know that they are more processed than regular ones, hence digest faster and you’ll get hungry quicker.
- ½ cup oats (60 grams), you can also use quick oats
- 1 ½ cup milk of your choice: dairy, soy or nut (or 1 cup milk and ½ cup of water)
- 2 bananas
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cocoa nibs (can be replaced with dark chocolate shavings)
- ½ pomegranate seeds
- Check the package instructions for cooking your oats, mine usually need a 10 minute soaking and another 15 minute cooking.
- Note: using quick oats you may need less milk, probably 1 cup will be enough.
- Turn on your oven grill on the highest setting.
- Pour 1 cup of milk over oats and let them steep, if need.
- Dice the bananas and mix with 1 teaspoon honey and cinnamon, then place under hot grill for 10 minutes.
- Once the oats have soaked, add vanilla extract and cook stirring frequently. If the porridge becomes to dry, add more milk or water.
- Once cooked stir in caramelized banana, taste to check the sweetness and add another teaspoon of honey if needed.
- Finally, stir in cocoa nibs and divide between two bowls, top with pomegranate seeds and serve.
Porridge is so delicious and this version sounds lovely!
Cheers,
Rosa
Thanks Rosa!
What delicious additions to your porridge!
It’s to “sell” porridge to those who have not come to like it yet
I love this for breakfast:) I prefer the regular oats, not the quick ones:) Great recipe.
Indeed, regular oats are so much better than any over processed quick version.
This looks so yummy. What a great post.
Thank you so much
Healthy breakfast! I love all the addition to your porridge! Cocoa nibs! My kids would love that. I’m writing about “porridge” for my new post right now but very different from yours… it’s Japanese and made of rice. No cocoa or honey, it’s rather bland. lol…
Noooo, I just saw your post on rice porridge and there’s nothing bland about it
I’m adding all the sweet tooth stuff to mine to “sell” it to hubby
Porridge is one of those food names that isn’t so appetizing, but I did used to enjoy oatmeal covered with brown sugar when I was a child. I think your version could turn me back onto this breakfast option
I was literally running away from porridge as a child and no sugar coated words could convince me to try it. I’m still surprised that I’ve started eating it now and willingly
(must be the chocolate).
I love porridge and this one sounds right up my alley. (Cocoa nibs are always welcome!
Thanks you, chocolate in any form makes things always better, doesn’t it?
i must try this too. I have never had porridge before every but I think i could like it if like you I added some cinnamon to it
If you’ve never tried it I absolutely recommend it (cinnamon, cocoa nibs and caramelized banana are a must), it surprisingly tasty
I love this type of breakfast. Simple, full of flavor!
My thoughts here exactly!
Tokia koše kaip desertas
Butent
Porridge always reminds me of The Three Bears.
Your version sounds wonderful. I think Goldilocks would have eaten the other two bowls!