Banish breakfast boredom with our porridge variations.
1. Banana, raisins and a pinch of nutmeg
These everyday ingredients make it a real crowd pleaser, an easy and comforting choice.
2. Strawberries and blueberries
Perfect for summer, fresh berries make a sweet and refreshing topping, making the porridge taste even creamier.
3. Cherry and chia seeds
Simmer the frozen cherries on the stovetop or in the microwave with one or two tablespoons of chia seeds, stirring regularly. Let the mixture cool. The seeds help to naturally thicken the liquid released by the cherries. Use to garnish porridge.
4. Banana, raspberry, almond butter and cinnamon
This combo will add some protein to your porridge thanks to the nut butter. Peanut butter will work in place of almond but in any case, choose a version without additives sugar and salt.
5. Slivered almonds and chopped dates
Keep them in the store cupboard or in a jar on your desk to sprinkle on your porridge when you need them.
6. Walnuts, pear slices and ginger
If you like a crunchy texture, the pear and walnuts will add it, while sprinkling with a little ground ginger adds a spicy touch.
7. Peaches and raspberries
Recreate a peach melba with this classic combo. Depending on the time of year, you can use frozen raspberries and canned peaches if it’s easier or cheaper than fresh. Canned and frozen fruits still count toward your 5 per day. Just make sure the canned fruit is in juice rather than syrup.
8. Plum compote
These can be cut in half and cooked in the microwave or oven in a covered dish. Add cinnamon or vanilla for added flavor.
9. Blueberries, walnuts and sunflower seeds
These look lovely on your porridge, but even better, an 80g serving of blueberries counts as one of your 5 a day and the nuts and sunflower seeds provide unsaturated fats as well as fiber and vitamins. Use other berries if you prefer, or even dried apricots for a cupboard alternative – in which case 30g will count as one of your 5 a day.
10. Low-fat Greek yogurt and canned apricots
Low-fat yogurt will be creamy without adding saturated fat, while apricots (preserved in juice, not syrup) will add sweetness without adding sugar.
11. Cinnamon Applesauce
Perfect for an autumn porridge – but you can also cook extra apples and freeze them in smaller portions to enjoy all year round.
12. Grated apple, blackberry and pecans
Grate a little apple and add it to the porridge. Once cooked, garnish with some blackberries and chopped pecans for added crunch.
13. Chocolate Banana
Mash most of a ripe banana – the riper the better as it will add a natural sweetness – then cook it with the oats and about 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder (or taste). Mix well and serve with the remaining sliced banana on top.
14. Blueberries and blackberries
Cook some berries with the oats to give your breakfast an interesting pink color and serve with the rest scattered on top.
