I have been eating porridge most mornings lately. This is super unusual for me, not because I don’t like porridge, I’m all about it, but because I just don’t eat the same thing multiple mornings in a row. I’ve been changing it up a little bit in terms of porridge flavourings but this is the one that’s been on highest rotation. It’s oats, but it tastes like banana bread so what’s not to like?!

The banana is used to top the porridge but it’s also cooked into it to add sweetness and increase the banana flavour. You can even use frozen banana and not do the bit on top, super convenient. The other banana bread vibe comes from the mix of seeds that’s added, the cinnamon and vanilla just increase the vibe.

I don’t add extra sweetener to mine but a little coconut sugar or maple syrup if you feel the need, try it first though! I’m trying my best to add less sweet stuff to my food and readjust my palate to finding the natural sweetness in things so I’ll be going maple syrup free with my porridge for a while.

Are you a porridge in the microwave or on the stovetop person? I’m a big believer in stovetop being so much better, plus I don’t have a microwave so I’ve got no choice. But if you haven’t tried the stovetop do, it makes it way creamier. I’ve added more liquid to this to make it creamier in texture as the oats have more time to break down as they absorb the extra liquid. This also allows the banana flavour more time to cook down. if you want to speed things up then combine the ingredients the night before and allow to soak.

Serves 1 (generously)

Ingredients

1 banana

1/2 cup oats

1.5 Tbs mixed seeds (chia, flaxseed and pumpkin seeds work well)

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup milk of choice

1 cup water

1 Tbs peanut butter to serve

Directions

Slice the banana in half lengthways. Set aside half of it. Roughly chop the other half and put in a pot with the oats, milk, water, seeds, vanilla and cinnamon.

Bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmer and stir regularly for 5-7 minutes until the banana and oats have broken down and the porridge has thickened. Set aside for a few minutes to continue to thicken off the heat.

Put a small non stick pan on medium heat and once hot place remainder of the banana sliced side down. Cook for a minute or two then turn over and cook for a further minute.

Spoon porridge into a bowl, top with cooked banana and peanut butter.

HH. x