I am declaring this to be the Summer of Porridge. Only for a few scant weeks at the end of May was it icy thick fruit smoothie weather...now the skies are grey, the pavements littered with puddles and porridge is really hitting the spot.
This is a super delicious and comforting combination. The apple makes it gloriously sweet without being cloying and the almond milk, which I tried for something different as it was on special (!), gives a really nice marzipan-evocative tang. And blueberries for their superfood properties, of course! You could use any berries you wish - I am particularly partial to frozen raspberries in porridge, I love how they bleed into the oats.
Apple and blueberry porridge
For 1
1 cup porridge oats (I use these ones)
200ml almond milk, plus extra to serve
Water, as much as you need
Cinnamon, as much as you like
1 large eating apple, grated (I used a Pink Lady)
1/2 cup blueberries, plus extra to serve
3 tablespoons yoghurt, to serve (optional)
Small handful of pistachios or other nuts, to serve (optional)
Place the oats and almond milk in a small saucepan. Combine with a wooden spoon and set aside for 10-15 minutes. If you do this, the porridge will be super creamy! This is an ideal time to go and have a shower, iron your shirt or make the bed.
After 10-15 minutes resting, you might find the oats have absorbed most of the milk. If so, add water to make it liquid again (or more milk, I like a combination of milk and water though), about half a cup or just a bit more, depending on how thick you like it.
Place the pan on a medium heat. Stir occasionally while it heats up and then, once it starts getting thicker and warm, stir constantly to get a lovely creamy texture. When there is still a little liquid left, add the cinnamon, grated apple and blueberries and stir to combine. Once the porridge is thick and cooked to your liking (you can always add more milk or water as you go if it needs it) and piping hot, transfer to a bowl.
Top with a splash of almond milk, a dollop of yoghurt and scatter more blueberries and any other toppings you fancy over the top.
It's so good, it (almost) lessens the longing to be on a beach in Greece eating feta for breakfast, like some of my Instagram friends :)
Do you like porridge? What's your favourite way to eat it?