How to make perfect porridge

To make the perfect bowl of porridge is really quite simple. Although, probably one of the most versatile breakfasts, we tend to have them the same way day after day, so we’ve come up with a few topping ideas to inspire you! We especially love that there are so many options available to buy, like seed, fruit and nut mixes, that makes it simple to add different textures and flavours to one of our favourite breakfast bowls, so, keep an eye out for potential toppings the next time you go grocery shopping.

So let’s get back to basics. To make a really good bowl of porridge you will need:

• 100g oats
• 250ml water
• 250ml milk
• Pinch of salt

Using a heavy based sauce pan add the water and milk and bring up just to the boil and then add your oats.

Reduce the heat down slightly. Then stir continuously for 10-15 mins or until your porridge has a thick consistency. Feel free to add a little more water or milk if you feel it is too thick.

Add a pinch of salt and give it a good stir.

Tip: We sometimes add either a small knob or butter or a little swirl of cream for an extra richness but this is optional.

Now for the fun part, the toppings. You really can get creative with lots of delicious toppings depending on your taste.

Porridge is a great way to get the kids involved in choosing their own toppings and having fun at breakfast time.

Top 4 Porridge Toppings:

Red Berries, Compote & Flaxseed Crunch

• 2 punnets raspberries
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Squeeze of lemon
• Strawberries, rinsed and sliced
• Raspberries
• Flaxseed crunch (or similar)
• Sweetener of choice (we love honey with this combination)

Start by making this very simple compote, simply place raspberries, sugar and lemon in a small pot over medium high heat. Use a fork to lightly mash the raspberries. Leave to cook down so that the juices release, stirring occasionally, while you put your porridge on to cook.

Once porridge is cooked, spoon into bowls then top with raspberry compote, strawberry slices and whole raspberries, some flaxseed crunch and a drizzle of honey.

Chocolate Orange & Ginger

• 1-2 oranges
• A few squares dark chocolate, roughly chopped
• Crystallised ginger, thinly sliced (found in the baking aisle)
• Honey

While your porridge is cooking, use a zester or small size of a grater to remove some of the zest from the peel, set zest aside. Trim off the top and bottom of the oranges then cut away the peel down the sides. Cut the orange in half, then cut each half into slices.

Spoon cooked porridge into bowls then top with a few slices of orange. Sprinkle over dark chocolate, orange zest and ginger slices. Finally, drizzle with a bit of honey to sweeten.

Peanut Butter, Banana & Cinnamon

• Bananas (1 per bowl)
• Butter
• Peanut butter
• Cinnamon
• Maple syrup

When porridge is nearing the end of cooking, heat a pan over medium high heat. Once hot, add a few knobs of butter. Peel bananas then cut in half lengthways. Arrange bananas in pan with melted butter cut-side up. Grill just until cooked side is golden. Remove from heat.

Spoon porridge into bowls then add a big spoon of peanut butter, two slices of banana, cooked side up, then sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon and drizzle with maple syrup.

Jam, Seeds, Fruit & Nuts

• Blackberry jam (or any of your favourite flavours)
• Seed Mix
• Fruit & Nut Mix

Spoon cooked porridge into bowls. Add a generous dollop of jam on top, then sprinkle with seeds and fruit and nut mix.