New Year Semolina Porridge

Ingredients

• 40 gunflavoured soy protein isolate
• 40 gsemolina flour
• to tasteground cinnamon
• to tastevanilla-flavoured drops
• 2/3apple, chopped
• a pinchsalt
• 300 gwater or milk
• 1/3apple
• 3 gdesiccated coconut
• 12 ggoji berries
• 7 gcinnamon bunny grahams

Instructions

1. 1

   Mix the porridge

   Combine the soy protein isolate, semolina flour, cinnamon, vanilla-flavoured drops, chopped apple, salt and water or milk in a cooking pot.

2. 2

   Cook gently

   Cook over low to medium heat for 2–3 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the toppings

   Transfer the porridge to a bowl and add the remaining apple, coconut, goji berries and cinnamon bunny grahams.

What is New Year semolina porridge?

This is a quick, creamy-style porridge made by cooking semolina with liquid, then finishing it with fruit and crunchy toppings. Semolina porridge is a familiar breakfast in many places, while this version adds soy protein and a cinnamon-and-apple combination.

The recipe does not specify a particular New Year tradition or origin. Its appeal is the speedy stovetop method and the contrast between soft porridge, fresh apple and crisp cereal.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 123 calories, 10g protein, 20g carbs, 2g fat.

Semolina and apple provide most of the carbohydrates, while the soy protein isolate contributes most of the protein. Coconut adds some fat, and the goji berries and grahams add further carbohydrates. For a balanced plate, serve a portion with plain yoghurt or another protein-rich side.

Choosing the liquid

Water: this keeps the flavour simple and lets the apple and cinnamon stand out. The finished porridge may be less rich.

Milk: use the same stated quantity for a creamier result. The recipe does not specify a type, so dairy or a plant-based milk can be chosen to suit your preference.

Mixing the base

Dry ingredients: stir the semolina and soy protein isolate together with the cinnamon and salt as you combine everything in the pot. This helps distribute the powders through the liquid.

Apple: the chopped portion goes into the porridge before cooking, so it softens as the mixture heats. Keep the remaining third for the topping.

Cooking and texture

Gentle heat: cook over low to medium heat for the stated 2–3 minutes. Stir the mixture as it cooks so it heats evenly and the semolina does not settle on the base.

Doneness: the recipe gives no precise thickness cue, so check the texture at the end of the cooking time. Semolina thickens as it cooks; avoid extending the time unnecessarily.

Finishing the bowls

Fresh apple: add the reserved piece after cooking for a fresher, firmer contrast to the softened apple in the porridge.

Crunchy toppings: scatter the coconut, goji berries and cinnamon bunny grahams over the bowl just before serving so they retain their texture.

Serving ideas

Serve the porridge warm as a breakfast or snack. The fruit and crunchy toppings bring extra texture without needing another cooking step.

For a more substantial plate, pair it with an unsweetened drink or a side of plain yoghurt. Add the yoghurt separately rather than stirring it into the pot.

Recipe notes & tips

• Measure the two apple portions separately so one can be saved for the topping.
• Stir the mixture while it cooks to help prevent semolina from sticking to the pot.
• Keep the heat at low to medium throughout the short cooking time.
• Add the crunchy toppings immediately before serving.
• Taste the porridge before serving and adjust the cinnamon or vanilla drops to your liking.

Variations

• Use plant milk: choose an unsweetened plant milk in place of water for a creamier bowl.
• Add more spice: increase the cinnamon to taste for a warmer flavour.
• Swap the fruit: use chopped pear instead of apple for a different fruit topping.
• Change the crunch: replace the bunny grahams with another crisp cereal.
• Add toasted nuts: scatter a small handful over the bowl for extra crunch.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding toppings too early: the grahams can soften, so scatter them on after cooking.
• Skipping the stirring: semolina may settle and stick, so stir as the porridge cooks.
• Cooking over high heat: the mixture can thicken unevenly, so keep the heat low to medium.
• Using all the apple in the pot: the topping loses its fresh contrast, so reserve one third.
• Cooking much longer: the porridge can become overly thick, so check it after 2–3 minutes.

How to store

Store leftover porridge in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 days, keeping the crunchy toppings separate. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, stirring in a little water or milk if it has thickened; add fresh toppings just before serving.

Frequently asked questions