Creamy Oatmeal Porridge

A cozy and fruity oatmeal porridge to warm you up on a cool winter morning…

When I traveled to Finland last year, I stayed at Hotel Haven and enjoyed a spectacular breakfast buffet. There were so many different options, but my heart fell in love with one resembling oatmeal. This bowl contained such creamy and satisfying oat goodness. I was told it was porridge. Having never had porridge, I had to ask how it was made and what was in it. I was told it can be made with a number of grains – mostly oats – and that it contained milk, fruit, and yoghurt. It was cooked in a pot on the stove.

It can’t be that simple…. and yet it is!

After searching for and trying multiple recipes, I’ve come up with a version that is reminiscent of the cozy porridge I had in Helsinki. Mind you, this recipe uses almond milk; and instead of yogurt, I used some almond milk creamer and applesauce. If you have never had a creamy porridge, you must try this. I assure you it’s a dream.

Ingredients

• 4 cups unsweetened plain almond milk
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 T lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup almond milk creamer (I used caramel from Aldi)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• 2 bananas (or any other fruit)
• 1/2 cup dried fruit
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 banana (or desired fruit)

Instructions

1. Combine milk, oats, lemon zest, cinnamon in a pot.
2. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to low and cover 5-8 minutes, until oats are tender.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Stir in sliced bananas, dried fruit, apple sauce, and vanilla.
5. Serve topped with your favorite fruit.

Notes

I used Caramel flavored almond milk creamer from Aldi.  It’s inexpensive, vegan, and has a nice subtle flavor and sweetness. If you don’t use or have access to a flavored almond milk creamer, simply use more almond milk, a touch more vanilla, and 1-2 Tablespoons maple syrup, depending on how sweet you like your breakfast. I think this is perfectly sweet with the dried fruit, applesauce, and almond milk creamer.

Cinnamon made my porridge turn a little brown. To avoid this, simply sprinkle cinnamon on the porridge when serving.

Warning!!  Keep an eye on your covered pot!  Or it may boil over and make a little mess.

This creamy oatmeal porridge is just as creamy and incredible the next day. And since it lasts a few days in the refrigerator, it makes this porridge a great make-ahead breakfast for a busy morning. It’s also very portable so you can take it with you on a trip or pack it in your lunchbox for a day at the office.

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