Hazelnut & Banana Porridge (Oatmeal)

Hazelnut and Banana Porridge 1

Hazelnut and Banana Porridge 2

I rarely ever had porridge growing up and it wasn’t until I came to Scotland that I had porridge that wasn’t made from a packet. I had always assumed that in order for oatmeal to taste good, it needed copious amounts of brown sugar or maple syrup. Since I’ve been trying to reduce my processed sugar intake recently, I thought I’d try to see if I could successfully sweeten my porridge with something natural and healthy like fruit. I have to admit, I was very worried this would come out tasting like a bland, sticky, lump of oats, but much to my relief it was actually delicious!

Hazelnut and Banana Porridge 3

Since this porridge is naturally sweetened with banana, it’s an incredibly healthy breakfast option! The oats and flax seed help lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides, the hazelnuts and flax seed provide some extra protein, and the banana is high in potassium and manganese as well as tryptophan (which is then converted into serotonin to make you feel happy!)

Hazelnut and Banana Porridge 4

 

Here are some more reasons to incorporate flax seed and bananas into your diet.

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup organic oats (gluten-free if desired)
  • 1 fairtrade banana
  • 1 tbsp non-dairy milk (optional)
  • cinnamon, to taste
  • 1 tbsp milled flax seed (I buy Linwoods organic)
  • 1 small handful hazelnuts, roasted or raw

Instructions:

  1. Bring the water to a boil in a very small pot
  2. Stir in the oats
  3. Mash just 3/4 of the banana with a fork. Slice and save the remaining 1/4 for garnishing.
  4. Add the mashed banana, non-dairy milk, and cinnamon to the pot
  5. Stir constantly, making sure not to let the oats burn. Once all the liquid has been absorbed, transfer the porridge to a bowl.
  6. Garnish the porridge with the sliced banana, hazelnuts (I like them roasted and chopped), flax seed, and additional cinnamon if desired
  7. Enjoy!


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