Nutty Porridge

Ingredients

• 45 g (½ cup)traditional oats
• 60 g (½ cup)mixed nuts, chopped
• 10 ml (2 tsp)honey
• 90 g (1 cup)traditional oats
• 75 g (½ cup)dried fruit, chopped
• 625 ml (2½ cups)water

Instructions

1. 1

   Grill the topping

   Combine 45 g of oats with the chopped mixed nuts and 10 ml honey, then spread on a baking tray. Place under a preheated grill on medium heat and cook until crisp and lightly golden, stirring occasionally.

2. 2

   Cook the porridge

   Put 90 g of oats, the chopped dried fruit and 625 ml water in a saucepan over high heat. Bring to the boil, stirring constantly, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes or until the oats are thick and creamy.

3. 3

   Top and serve

   Divide the porridge between serving bowls and add the nutty topping. Serve straight away, drizzled with extra honey if desired.

What is nutty porridge?

Porridge is a simple oat dish cooked with liquid until soft and creamy, and versions of it are eaten in many places. This recipe gives the familiar bowl a contrast of textures with a crisp oat-and-nut topping.

Dried fruit cooks into the porridge, bringing sweetness throughout, while honey helps the topping turn golden under the grill.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 301 calories, 8g protein, 35g carbs, 13g fat.

The oats and dried fruit provide most of the carbohydrates, while the mixed nuts and honey contribute much of the fat and energy. Oats, nuts and dried fruit all add some protein. Balance the bowl with fresh fruit or yoghurt alongside, if that suits your meal.

Choose the ingredients

Oats: Traditional rolled oats cook into a creamy base while also crisping up for the topping. Keeping some aside for the grill gives the bowl its crunchy finish.

Nuts and fruit: Chopped mixed nuts make a varied topping, and chopped dried fruit distributes more evenly through the porridge than larger pieces.

Get the topping crisp

Spread the oat, nut and honey mixture across the tray so it grills evenly. Stir it occasionally, as the nuts and honey can catch if left in one spot.

Take it out when lightly golden and crisp; it will not need to brown deeply. Watch closely near the end, since grill strength can vary.

Cook to the right texture

Stir constantly as the porridge comes to the boil to help prevent the oats from sticking to the pan. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat before simmering.

After 5 minutes, look for thick, creamy oats. If they still seem loose, continue cooking briefly and keep stirring until they reach that consistency.

Serve it straight away

Add the topping just before serving so it stays crisp against the creamy porridge. A little extra honey is optional if you prefer a sweeter bowl.

Serve on its own for breakfast, or pair it with fresh fruit and yoghurt for a more substantial meal.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chop the dried fruit into small pieces so it is easier to spoon through the porridge.
• Keep the topping in a fairly even layer on the baking tray for more consistent browning.
• Stir the topping now and then while it grills to help it crisp without scorching.
• Stir continuously as the porridge comes to the boil to reduce sticking.
• Add the topping immediately before serving to preserve its crunch.

Variations

• Change the nuts: Use one kind of chopped nut in place of the mixed nuts.
• Try different fruit: Swap in another chopped dried fruit for a different sweet note.
• Add warm spice: Stir a little cinnamon into the porridge as it simmers.
• Use milk: Replace some of the water with milk for a richer-tasting porridge.
• Finish with seeds: Sprinkle seeds over the bowl alongside the nutty topping.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving the topping unattended: Stir it occasionally and watch closely so the honey and nuts do not catch.
• Crowding the topping: Spread it across the tray rather than piling it up, so it can crisp evenly.
• Boiling too vigorously: Lower the heat once the porridge boils and keep stirring as it simmers.
• Stopping too soon: Simmer until the oats are thick and creamy, using the 5-minute mark as a check.
• Adding the topping early: Spoon it on just before eating so it does not soften in the porridge.

How to store

Store leftover porridge in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and keep any leftover topping separately in an airtight container. Reheat the porridge in a saucepan or microwave, stirring and adding a splash of water if needed; add the topping after reheating.

Frequently asked questions