Winter is on it’s way for us Aussie’s and those in the southern hemisphere, and with it comes the creamy, steamy comfort of porridge. Yum! Let’s be clear i’m not talking about the processed porridge in a packet that you rip open and chuck in the microwave (opps! i said a dirty word!). No, the kind of porridge i’m talking about does not require a microwave, in fact i’ll never be talking about putting anything in a microwave any time soon. I’m talking about porridge made with the real thing. Real oats, steel cut or rolled, that you cook on the stove. I’ve added a little twist to this winter porridge though. Quinoa. The all mighty quinoa is a high protein, gluten-free seed that you can use as an alternative to rice or any other grain. The secret to creamy oats that are easily digested is the overnight soak. This will also cut down your cooking time in the morning. A word on oats. Let’s stick to organic steel cut or rolled oats. The instant or quick oats don’t contain nearly as much nutrients or fibre and some have additives such as sugar and salt. Steel cut oats will take longer to cook and will require a little more milk than i’ve used in this recipe, as i used rolled oats The other wondrous thing about this quinoa-oat porridge is the Chai Spices! Chai definitely goes with winter and infusing these warming spices into your porridge takes it to a new level of wintery comfort! I have used cinnamon, vanilla and cardamon. Oats & Nutrition
Oats are full of magnesium, calcium, manganese and zinc. They are also high in fibre, making them a heart healthy choice for your morning breakfast. You can buy oats that are certified gluten-free and haven’t been processed with any other wheat products. Quinoa Oat Chai Porridge
serves 2
What you need:
1/2 cup cooked quinoa (i like to cook 1 cup for the week so i have some on hand, this will make 4 serves)
1/2 cup oats
1 3/4 cup almond milk
2-3 tsp honey/maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla powder or vanilla essence
3-4 cardamon pods contents removed
1 star anise (optional)
1 heaped tsp almond butter (optional)
What to do:
- Overnight, soak the oats in 1 cup almond milk and add the contents of the 3-4 cardamon pods, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp cinnamon and a star anise
- In the morning, pour the soaked oats and spices into a pot with 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa, almond butter and 3/4 cup almond milk. stir well
- cook for 10-15 mins on low to medium heat. It should be slightly bubbling. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
- When the porridge is ready it will be thick and sticky
- Transfer to 2 bowls and top with honey chopped pear, berries or fresh figs
Enjoy! x
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