The perfect breakfast for winter mornings…or any morning for that matter!
This is my 10 minute recipe for creamy stovetop porridge finished with sweet cranberries, cinnamon, chocolate chips and almonds!
It’s super quick and easy to pull together and will leave you feeling full and energised for the day to come 😁
Porridge (a.k.a oatmeal) is one of my go-to breakfast choices because it is so easy and fast to prepare on busy mornings but is also so filling, comforting and wholesome!
CONTENTS OF THIS RECIPE POST
I always recommend reading the entire post to get the best understanding of the recipe, helpful tips, information about ingredients, storage advice etc. Here’s a quick look at what topics are included in this recipe post :)
WHAT INGREDIENTS GO INTO OAT PORRIDGE:
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats
There are 3 main varieties of oats which you can choose from, but I find old-fashioned rolled oats to be the best option for this recipe and I will explain why in the section below :)
Milk, Water OR Plant-based Milk
You will need a liquid (or two!) to cook your oats in and you can use either milk, water or plant-based milk, depending on your preference. You can also do as I like to do, and use a combination of both milk and water.
Cinnamon
Adding ground cinnamon to this porridge gives it an extra touch of cozy flavour that combines perfectly with the toppings!
Pinch of Salt
A pinch of salt is needed for seasoning the porridge as it cooks.
TOPPINGS
Choc Chips
I sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the porridge while it is still hot so they get a little melty and add pockets of warm chocolate-y goodness to the porridge. You can even stir swirl them through if you like!
Almonds
Give a nice contrasting texture to the porridge by providing a satisfying crunch and pair beautifully with the choc chips, cinnamon and dried cranberries! You can easily omit these if you are following a nut-free diet or substitute with another nut of your choice.
Dried Cranberries
Add bursts of fresh, citrusy sweetness to the porridge. You don’t need many as they’re very sweet!
WHICH OATS ARE BEST FOR PORRIDGE?
There are 3 main types of oats you can choose from when making porridge:
Steel Cut Oats take the longest to cook and retain the most texture
Quick/Instant Oats cook the quickest but have the least texture and can be kind of mushy
Old-Fashioned, Rolled Oats They cook faster than steel cut oats and still keep a nice texture; which in my opinion makes them the perfect choice for preparing the best stovetop porridge.
WHAT IS A STANDARD SERVING OF PORRIDGE?
1/2 cup of dry oats is the standard serving for a single portion
DO I HAVE TO USE MILK WHEN MAKING PORRIDGE OR CAN I SUBSTITUTE IT WITH A DIFFERENT LIQUID? (MILK OR WATER)?
You can make your porridge using water, dairy milk or plant-based milk (e.g. almond milk, soy milk).
Which liquid you choose is entirely up to you, however remember that it can have an effect on the overall consistency of your porridge.
I like to use both water and milk when I make my porridge because I really like the textured but still creamy consistency this combination gives. I find when I make porridge with just milk alone the texture is a little thicker and stickier, than when I make it with the water - however some people absolutely love it that way.
So it really does just come down to personal preference. Certain people scrunch up their face at the thought of water instead of milk, while others (like myself) insist equal parts of water AND milk gives you the best of both worlds and is the key to getting it right.
If you’re an porridge newbie you might like to try making it each way to see what you prefer! :)
WHAT IS THE IDEAL OAT TO LIQUID RATIO FOR COOKING PORRIDGE?
Regardless of what liquid you use, as a general rule your ratio should always simply be:
1/2 cup of oats to 1 1/2 cups liquid
(1:3 ratio)
RECIPE
CRANBERRY, CHOC CHIP & ALMOND PORRIDGE
Serves: 1
Time: 5 - 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy / Beginner
Save on socials
INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup milk
1/4 tsp of cinnamon, plus extra to sprinkle when serving
A pinch of salt
1/2 cup old-fashioned, rolled oats
TOPPINGS
Dried cranberries
Chocolate chips
Almonds
METHOD
Place your liquids of choice (water, milk or non-dairy milk), salt and cinnamon into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
Once the mixture reaches the boil, add your oats and reduce the heat, bringing it down to a low simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the oats have softened and absorbed most of the liquid - approximately 5 minutes.
Transfer the porridge to a bowl and top with chocolate chips, dried cranberries, almonds and if desired, another sprinkling of cinnamon.
If you tried this recipe…
I’d love to know!
Please leave a comment below letting me know your thoughts on this cranberry, choc chip and almond porridge :)
You Might Also Like to TRY THESE RECIPES NEXT!
