As the crisp autumn mornings roll in what better way to kick start your day than with a warming bowl of porridge? And with World Porridge Day today it's the perfect excuse to get creative with this classic breakfast dish. Not only is porridge a delicious and versatile staple in the UK but World Porridge Day also supports a fantastic cause, raising awareness for Mary’s Meals, a charity that provides daily meals to children in the world’s poorest communities.
To celebrate this special day here are three porridge recipes that are easy to whip up and absolutely delicious!
Classic Creamy Porridge
You can’t celebrate World Porridge Day without starting with the classic! This is simple, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for those who appreciate the basics done right.
Ingredients:
1 cup of porridge oats.
2 cups of milk (or a mixture of milk and water for a lighter option).
A pinch of salt.
1 tablespoon of honey or golden syrup.
Optional: a dash of cream or extra milk for serving.
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, add the oats and milk over medium heat. Stir gently to avoid lumps.
Bring to a simmer, and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Add a pinch of salt and stir until the porridge is thick and creamy.
Serve in a bowl, drizzle with honey or golden syrup, and add a splash of cream or milk for extra indulgence.
The beauty of this classic recipe is that it’s a blank canvas! Feel free to add fresh berries, bananas or a sprinkle of brown sugar to make it your own.
Apple & Cinnamon Porridge
If there’s one combination that screams autumn it’s apples and cinnamon. This recipe is an absolute winner on a chilly morning, providing a touch of sweetness with a comforting, warming spice.
Ingredients:
1 cup of porridge oats.
2 cups of milk (or a plant-based alternative like almond milk).
1 apple, peeled, cored and diced.
1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
1 tablespoon of brown sugar or maple syrup.
A handful of sultanas or raisins.
A sprinkle of chopped walnuts (optional)
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Instructions:
In a saucepan combine the oats and milk, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add the diced apple, cinnamon, and sultanas, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the oats are soft and creamy, and the apple pieces are tender.
Stir in the brown sugar or maple syrup, then remove from heat.
Serve with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a drizzle of extra syrup if you’re feeling fancy!
This version is like a hug in a bowl, with the sweetness of the apple blending perfectly with the earthy cinnamon. It’s guaranteed to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside.
Nutty Chocolate & Banana Porridge
Who says porridge has to be boring? For those who want to make any day feel like a celebration, try this rich and indulgent version. It’s like having dessert for breakfast but without the guilt!
Ingredients:
1 cup of porridge oats.
2 cups of milk or milk alternative.
1 tablespoon of cocoa powder.
1 ripe banana, mashed.
1 tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter.
A handful of chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts or peanuts).
A drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
Instructions:
Start by combining the oats, milk, and cocoa powder in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir well to dissolve the cocoa.
Add the mashed banana and cook for about 5-8 minutes until the porridge is thick and creamy.
Swirl in the peanut or almond butter and stir until it’s well combined.
Pour into a bowl and top with chopped nuts, a few slices of fresh banana, and a drizzle of honey or syrup.
This recipe takes your morning porridge to a whole new level, offering a deliciously rich and nutty flavour. It’s a great choice if you’re craving something indulgent but still want the health benefits of a hearty breakfast.
How do you like your porridge?