Porridge is considered one of the healthiest foods for a hearty breakfast. But more often than not, I tend to have porridge for lunch instead because it makes me feel full longer and avoids snacking in the afternoon.
Vegan porridge could be the easiest vegan recipe to make because you just need to replace dairy with non-dairy milk, such as soy, oat, or almond milk. So, in this post, I’m going to show you a simple vegan banana porridge recipe. But before that, let’s clarify a few myths about porridge.
My perfect morning is spent drinking coffee, eating porridge and reading the paper at a local cafe.
Anton du Beke
What’s the difference between porridge and oatmeal?
When I typed ‘how to make porridge, how to make oatmeal’ in Google Ngram Viewer, the analysis tool showed that since the year 2000, the phrase ‘how to make porridge’ has been much more widely used than ‘how to make oatmeal’. But are they really that different?
The only difference is that porridge can be made from various grains, such as oat, corn, quinoa, millet, brown rice or buckwheat. But as for oatmeal, it’s the porridge made from oats, and that’s why it gets the name – oatmeal. However, today, porridge and oatmeal are used interchangeably since oat is the most used type of grain in making porridge.
Myth 1: Oatmeal is made from oats, but porridge can be made from different grains, including oats.
What kind of oats should I use in porridge?
Generally speaking, there are eight main forms of oats, and the ones often used in the porridge recipe are: steel cut oats (aka Irish/Scottish oats), rolled oats and quick oats. The specific type of oats you use depends on the cooking time, texture and nutrition value you’re looking for.
| Type of oats | Cooking time (avg) | Nutrition value | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|
| steel cut oats | 15 – 20 mins | high | chewier texture |
| rolled oats | 5 – 7 mins | middle | creamy texture |
| quick oats | 2 – 3 mins | low | soft, mushy texture |
Myth 2: If you’re looking for less processed, go for steel-cut oats. However, if the texture is your main concern, then the more processed oats, the more gooey texture it has.
Is porridge healthy?
Oats, the most commonly used ingredient in porridge, have numerous health benefits, including being rich in fibre and minerals, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and keeping us full for longer. But, not all porridge is healthy. For example, homemade porridge is usually more nutritional because ready-made ones typically contain additives and more sugar.
Myth 3: Watch out for what’s added to the porridge because they determine whether it’s healthy or not.
What side are you on – savoury or sweet porridge?
Porridge can be made into a savoury or sweet taste depending on the flavourings and toppings added. I tried the savoury version, but I think I still prefer sweet porridges. Also, the sweet one generally takes less time to prepare and cook. However, you can find plenty of savoury porridge ideas online.
Myth 4: Porridge can come in different flavours, even spicy tastes!
Vegan Banana Porridge
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 80 gram oats (I'm using steel cut oats)
- 1 ripe banana (don't use unripe bananas as they won't give natural sweetness)
- 1-2 tbsp peanut butter (or almond butter)
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet ingredients
- 200 ml hot water
- 80 ml non-dairy milk (I use soy milk to give more protein)
- 2 tbsp superfood powder (optional)
- 50 gram raspberries (optional)
- half mango (optional)
- handful of your favourite seeds, such as sunflower seeds (optional)
Instructions
- soak oats in hot water in a small saucepan for at least 3 minutes (if you're using steel-cut oats) to reduce the cooking time. Meanwhile, mash the banana in a bowl.
- turn the hob on, add mashed banana and milk and give a quick stir.
- once the porridge starts bubbling, set a medium heat setting on the knob. Keep stirring to avoid the bottom part getting burnt.
- add superfood power if you have any
- add a bit of salt
- add more milk if you'd like your porridge more creamy
- dish it up when it reaches the consistency you like
- add peanut butter and other toppings, such as nuts and soft fruits.
Video
Notes
Voila, now you have a perfect home comfort vegan banana porridge/oatmeal to enjoy.
Why vegan porridge?
As I mentioned in my other post, I believe a plant-based diet is crucial in protecting the planet. So, whenever possible, try vegan recipes! That shows you’re saying no to dairy products, which are one of the leading causes of global warming. And to be kind to our planet, we all need to do our bit, no matter how small the action is.
Climate change is sometimes misunderstood as being about changes in the weather. In reality, it is about changes in our very way of life.
Paul Polman