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Sweet and Savory Porridge

by Amie Valpone

Exciting ways to spice up your breakfast

Porridge has come a long way since Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and I’ve created a few out-of-the-box recipes that will surely get you out of bed in the morning.

But first, say goodbye to processed sugary cereals! It’s time to make your own breakfast with whole foods. Don’t worry, these recipes can be made the night before or in the morning before you dash out the door. Breakfast is the most important meal, which many of you already know, so why not give your body something you can feel good about every morning, and not just on the weekend?

Here are a few gluten-free whole grains for delicious breakfast porridges that can be served any time of the year. Just follow the directions below, using water or the creamy toss-in options below, then garnish your breakfast with a few of the suggested toppings as well.

GLUTEN-FREE WHOLE GRAINS

Quinoa Soak 1 cup quinoa in a large bowl filled with water overnight. Drain the quinoa and discard the soaking water. In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring 2 cups of water, a pinch of sea salt and the drained quinoa to a boil. Then lower the heat, cover the saucepan and cook for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and all the water is absorbed. Transfer to serving bowls. Add toppings and serve warm. Can also be made the night before. Serves 2.

Millet Grind 1 cup millet in a blender until coarsely ground. Melt 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the ground millet and stir for 5 minutes. Add 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk and continue to mix well. Bring to a soft boil then cover with a lid and cook for another 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens over low heat. Add more almond milk if the mixture is too thick. Transfer to serving bowls. Serve warm with toppings. Can be made the night before. Serves 2.

Oatmeal Bring 2 cups of water and a pinch of sea salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats, reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes or until the oats are tender and they reach the consistency you desire. Cover and remove from the heat; set aside for 5 minutes before serving warm. Transfer to serving bowls. Can be made the night before. Serves 2.

Amaranth In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup amaranth, 1 sliced banana, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, a pinch of sea salt and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the mixture is thickened and the amaranth absorbs all the water. Transfer to serving bowls with toppings and serve warm. Can be made the night before. Serves 2.

CREAMY TOSS-INS

Pour these protein-packed toss-ins into your porridge to add a creamy consistency.

Lifeway Kefir Organic Kefir Full Fat is very on trend right now. The low-fat, fat-free craze is finally over as people start to understand that our bodies need organic sources of fat to be healthy. This whole milk kefir is super creamy and delicious. It’s 99% lactose-free and full of 12 probiotic cultures. It’s also a great source of protein and calcium. The Peaches and Cream as well as the Coconut and Cream flavors are delicious in porridge.

365 Whole Foods Market Almond Milk This is a great option for almond milk. It’s creamy and easy to use in any of these porridge recipes.

So Delicious Culinary Coconut Milk This is a great option to use instead of canned coconut milk. The full fat variety of this coconut milk is creamy and delicious in porridge.

Vega Once Chocolate Protein Powder This creamy and flavorful protein powder is full of 20 grams of plant-based protein and 6 servings of greens in each scoop. No need to drink your green smoothie on days you add this to your porridge. Add a scoop for a boost of flavor and protein.

BPA-free canned pumpkin puree This is a great source of fiber and can be added to your porridge straight from the can. Add 1-2 tablespoons depending on how much you’d like.

Pureed extra ripe bananas These are a great source of fiber and potassium. Puree a banana in your blender and add it to your porridge.

SPICES & GARNISHES

Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, unsweetened cocoa powder, pure vanilla or almond extract

Add a tablespoon of these protein-rich nut butters to your porridge: almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter

Poach an organic egg or two and toss it on top of your porridge with a pinch of paprika and scallions for a savory flavor

TOPPINGS

Toss these toppings into your porridge for a boost of fiber, protein and flavor.

Made in Nature Organic Dried Tart Cherries There’s no refined added sugar in this brand of dried fruit. That’s why we love them and can’t get enough of their amazing flavor. They’re naturally sweetened and taste so fresh and tender—unlike other brands that use refined sugar in their dried fruit and end up being too hard to chew. Add a handful of these cherries to your porridge for a sweet start to your day without getting dragged down from refined sugar.

Nutiva Organic Chocolate Hazelnut Spread This delicious chocolatey spread is much cleaner than Nutella. No processed ingredients on the label so you can feel good about tossing a spoonful of this into your porridge or just spooning some into your mouth like peanut butter for a treat. 

Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Hearts These soft, tiny seeds are soaring with protein. They’re tender and easy to stir into porridge because they don’t require chewing. They’re also high in Omega 3 fatty acids! Add a spoonful to garnish your porridge.

Made in Nature Maple Madagascar Vanilla Toasted Coconut Chips These flavored coconut chips are a great option for sweet flavor without the added sugar. They’re also delicious to snack on alone. Toss a handful into your porridge for a sweet touch.

Mamma Chia Organic White Chia Seeds These are an easy way to get a dose of protein and if you let these sit in your porridge for more than 5 minutes, they’ll make it creamy and gel-like similar to a chia pudding recipe. Add a teaspoon to your porridge for added texture and chewiness.

Nature’s Path Q’ia This superfood cereal is full of chia seeds, hemp and buckwheat. It’s a great source of protein, fiber and Omegas. Toss in a spoonful or two for a boost of energy.

Raw walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and ground flaxseeds These are easy sources of quality protein and fiber. Add a handful of these nuts and/or seeds to your porridge. Mix and match the textures depending on your mood.

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