Overnight Porridge with Juicy Berries

Pick up a copy of any healthy eating cookbook and the chances are it will contain an overnight oats recipe. So with the weather turning chilly I decided to finally give one a go, despite porridge not particularly floating my boat and that for a fraction more calories I can enjoy bacon and egg instead ;-).

Overnight Porridge with Juicy Berries from Justine Pattison seemed as good as any. You don’t have to soak the oats overnight if you can’t be arsed, however if you do it will taste creamier. I’m fed up of supermarket deliveries sending me fresh fruit with one-day use by dates so have started buying packs of frozen fruit. It’s obviously not as good as fresh but more practical and cheaper – I just take out of the freezer what I need.

Personally, I prefer fresh fruit compote with home-made granola from the Hairy Dieters. It will take you longer to prep and cost more to make, but oh my it’s worth getting out of bed for.

 Recipe: Overnight Porridge with Juicy Berries

Calories: 212 per serving

Serves: 4

Book: Justine Pattison: Without the Calories – Comfort Food

Prep time: Approx 5 mins, plus overnight chilling time

Cooking time: Approx 5 mins

Ingredients:

• 200g fresh strawberries (hulled halved, or quartered if large)
• 175g fresh raspberries
• 75g fresh redcurrants, blueberries or blackberries
• 1 tbsp caster sugar
• 120g jumbo porridge oats
• 500ml semi-skimmed milk
• 200ml water
• 1 tbsp soft light brown sugar (optional)

Cost per portion: Approx £1.43

Method:

Put the fruit in a bowl and mix lightly with the caster sugar. Cover and leave in the fridge overnight to macerate. The sugar will help draw out the juices.

Put the porridge oats, milk and water in a bowl and stir well. Cover and leave in the fridge overnight. (You can prepare the porridge right away if you prefer).

The next day, place the soaked oats and liquid in a large non-stick saucepan over a medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the oats are tender and very creamy.

Pour the porridge into bowls and top with the fruit. Sweeten with a little soft light brown sugar (adding an extra 9 calories) if you like.