Porridge for Breakfast (and all those toppings!)

I grew up on porridge. I am pretty sure I tried to feed my kids porridge as often as possible in the winter, though we tended to go for the Semolina Porridge more than oat porridge. I think the thing I love about porridge is the endless flavour combos, as limitless as your imagination or your pantry will allow.

So get your porridge on and try some of these ideas to tip ordinary porridge over the edge into cafe fare!

Fig and Ginger

Cut 2 figs in quarters then brush with syrup from a jar of stem ginger and grill until softened.
Dice a ball of ginger from the jar.
Top hot porridge with the figs then add the ginger and a drizzle more ginger syrup.

Tahini Date and Toasted Almonds

Pit and chop 3 medjool dates.
Toast 1 tbsp flaked almonds in a dry, non-stick frying pan until golden.
Drizzle 1 tbsp tahini over hot porridge then add the dates and almonds.

Apples and Raisins

Put 2-3 tbsp golden sultanas or other raisins in a bowl and pour over enough just-boiled water to cover.
Dice an apple and toss with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch each of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Drain the sultanas and add to the apple mix. Spoon over hot porridge.

Vanilla Yoghurt and Blueberries

Put a handful of blueberries and 1 tbsp maple syrup in a small pan and heat gently until they soften.
Mix 2 tbsp Greek yogurt with a few drops of vanilla bean paste and spoon over hot porridge.
Top with the blueberries and syrup.

Put the Lime in the Coconut

Make up the porridge replacing the milk with coconut milk.
Slice half a ripe mango and a ripe kiwi fruit, and toss with the juice of a lime.
Top the porridge with the fruit, some lime zest and dried coconut shavings.

Of course I could keep going, but so can you! The sky is the limit.

Here are a few porridge toppers you could have on hand! It may be time for a porridge buffet!