how YOU can like porridge

Also known as oatmeal, porridge is the dish that I've been starting to turn to on recent mornings over my ex-beloved coco pops and buttery toast. This is mainly because it is the one thing that manages to keep me full right up until lunchtime, even if I have an early start. It boasts a lot of health benefits, present in its fibrous nature, slow-release energy, bone-strengthening abilities and vitamin A. It's warming in winter, and on a summer's morning too, when you just wake up and want a bit of comfort.

What I am inclined to delight in, is the fact that it is completely customisable. It can easily be made suitable for coeliacs by insuring that the oats you purchase have the gluten-free symbol on the packet. Oats in their purest form are naturally gluten-free, but it's the way in which factories cross-contaminate or add that changes this. Too, by using almond milk, soya milk or even just water over cow's milk, porridge can be made dairy-free and therefore suitable for vegans. Due to its runny nature, all sorts of things can be mixed into it, such as health foods like chia seeds, milled linseed or (if you're really craving chocolate cereal) cacao powder. It can be sweetened with whatever sweetener you like; sugar, honey, agave nectar, maple syrup or stevia. Or you could forget adding sweeteners altogether and concentrate on throwing in dates, berries or bananas for sweetness. My mother likes to add toasted sunflower seeds for an added crunchy texture. The oats are yours. I usen't to like them at all, but it is so easy to create flavours that you enjoy and that don't even have to be bad, or good for you. (@rachelnicole, please do not fear the upcoming banana)

The method I've been following as of late:
1/3 mug oats
1/3 mug almond milk
2/3 mug water
1 teaspoon chia seeds
1/2 a ripe banana
3 medium strawberries
dash of cinnamon
maple syrup

1. Put the oats, chia seeds, milk and water together in a saucepan, and simmer for about 10 minutes. You'll notice it "growing" and bubbling a bit as the oats break down.
2. When you're happy with the texture, take it off the heat, stir, and leave to cool for a minute.
3. Slice the banana and strawberries. Pour the porridge into a bowl.
4. Top with fruit, sprinkle over ground cinnamon and maple syrup to taste

Obviously you can do whatever you want with this, throw in some more ingredients, take out a few. Nothing is completely essential (bar the oats themselves!) and can be adapted to suit your tastes! Also, you can make porridge in the microwave, but it doesn't break down as nicely. The longer you cook it for, the more puddingy it becomes!

Porridge inspiration:

• Deliciously Ella: Super Speedy Porridge // Creamy Coconut Porridge
• The Happy Pear: Nutella Porridge
• Jamie Oliver: Porridge, Lots of Ways

Do you eat porridge for breakfast? If so, I'd love to hear what toppings you use!

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