Oatmeal Breakfast Porridge

Another Oatmeal Recipe…really, yes!  I seriously doubt that the inter-net doesn’t need another recipe for good old fashioned oatmeal?  Right?  I did my fair share of research and there are thousands and thousands of different recipes for this breakfast staple.
I still feel that the inter-net world might benefit from just one more because mine is different!  Healthier too!  Do you know why?   I’ll tell you…..

I know you’re dying to know and I know you’re thinking this is looks so good you’re probably dying to make this, right?   —  I just had it for breakfast after a COLD Minnesota Run.  Actually, when it’s this cold out, it’s even good before a long run, instead of my usual sprouted Ezekiel toast with Almond Butter.

First off, you’ll notice that my recipe for my breakfast cereal is called porridge because, just like my crispy nuts, I soak my oats overnight before they are cooked.  After reading one of my all time favorite cookbooks/health books, Nourishing Traditions I have learned so many wonderful health benefits that come from sprouting nuts, oats, etc.  If you haven’t tried making these crispy nuts yet, I honestly believe they’re worth the extra time because they are not only healthier, but they taste better too.

Besides, I call this my winter time crisis!  It happens every year in January, especially when it’s this COLD.  When Summer is over, as much as I love my smoothies, something warm to accompany them is welcomed!  It’s freezing outside, and after a COLD long run, or sometimes before a COLD long run, my body needs something warm in the morning.  And the best part, once your oats are soaked, they take less than 5 minutes to cook – Truly a fast food, but a healthy one!  Winter Breakfast issue solved!

Lets take a look….

• Goji Berries: high levels of antioxidants and cancer-fighting properties.
• Almonds: full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
• Oats: packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• currants: cute, delicious and more fiber

So many good things…..but wait there is much more you need to know!

Be sure to buy organic if you can.  I know buying in bulk is most often less expensive, but grains have a tendency to go rancid more quickly, therefore I purchase them in packages verses in bins.

You may also benefit from adding a little ground flax seed to start your day with a ration of omega-3 fatty acids.  (flax seed is low in phytic acid and does not require soaking if it is eaten in small amounts.)  I love my porridge with a little cream or butter which is fat-soluble and an activator to provide the necessary catalyst for mineral absorption.  Adds such creaminess too….so DELICIOUS!

Did I mention that my porridge is also gluten-free?  Provided that the oats you’re using are 100% gluten-free (i.e, not contaminated).

My mornings are much better since I’ve perfected this recipe.  Pair this with a Green Smoothie & berries and you’re set!  

OATMEAL BREAKFAST PORRIDGE

Ingredients

• 1 cup oats, steel cut, rolled, or cracked (gluten free)
• 1 cup warm filtered water plus 2 tablespoons whey, yoghurt, kefir or buttermilk
• 1/2 tsp of sea salt
• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 tablespoon flax seeds (optional)
• a touch of cream or butter (optional, if you insist)

Directions

1.  For highest benefits and best assimilation, porridge should be soaked overnight or eve longer.  Once soaked, the oatmeal cooks up in less than 5 minutes – truly a fast food I know!  (Note:  Those with severe milk allergies can use lemon juice or vinegar in place of whey, yoghurt, kefir or buttermilk.)
2. Mix oats with warm water mixture, over and leave in a warm place for at least 7 hours and as long as 24 hours.  Bring an additional 1 cup water to a boil with sea salt.  Add soaked oats, reduce heat, cover and simmer several minutes.  Meanwhile grind optional flax seeds in a mini grinder or use the dry blend container of your Vita-Mix.
3. Remove from heat, stir in optional flax seedsand goji berries, and let stand for a few minutes.  Sever with plenty of butter or cream and a natural sweetener like maple syrup, raw honey, date sugar, or sucanat.   You may also wish to add chopped crispy nuts or dried un-sweetened coconut.

Variation:  Kamut or Spelt Porridge – use 1 cup rolled or coarsely ground kamut or spelt instead of oats.

Variation: Rye Porridge – Use 1 cup rolled or coarsely ground rye instead of oats.  Rye may need extra sokking time and more water for complete hydration.

Variation:  Teff Porridge – use 1 cup whole teff.  May be soaked overnight but 24 hours is better.  Delicious as a breakfast cereal.

Variation: Amaranth Porridge – Use 1 cup amaranth.  Prepare as teff porridge.

Variation:  Grits  – Use 1 cup coarsely ground grits (also known as polenta).  A favorite of mine!