The Hairy Dieters has an ‘Awesome Oats’ section in their second book and after enjoying banana and pecan porridge from it I decided to try Porridge with Spiced Plums. This recipe was similarly delightful – the creamy, warm soothing oats topped with fruit and a hint of spice from the star anise, cinnamon and nutmeg (optional). Wonderful.
When I used to commute to Birmingham (prior to the pandemic), grumpy office workers would queue to pay £2.50 for a bang average bowl of porridge from a café. This infinitely better version from the Hairy Dieters works out at roughly 60p per portion. That’s proper awesome oats!
Recipe: Porridge with Spiced Plums
Calories: 258 per portion
Serves: 2
Book: Hairy Dieters – Eat for Life
Prep time: Approx 5 minutes
Cooking time: Approx 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 large red or black plums (quartered and stones removed)
- 1 tbsp caster or light brown sugar
- 1 star anise
- Good pinch of ground cinnamon
- 60g porridge oats
- 350ml semi-skimmed milk
- 100ml water
- 2 large tbsp low-fat yoghurt
- Finely grated nutmeg (optional)
Cost per portion: Approx £0.60
Method:
Put the plums and sugar in a microwavable bowl. Break the star anise in half and drop it on top. Sprinkle with the cinnamon and toss everything together lightly. Cover the top of the bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir the plums, cover and microwave on high for another 1-2 minutes or until the plums are softened and juicy but still holding their shape. If you prefer, put the plums, sugar and spices in a saucepan with 4 tablespoons of water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring gently.
Put the porridge oats in a medium non-stick saucepan with the milk and water and place over a medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the oats are tender and creamy, stirring frequently. Pour the porridge into 2 bowls and top with the spiced plums and any juice. Add a spoonful of yoghurt and a pinch of grated nutmeg to each bowl if you like. (Watch that you don’t eat the star anise!).
Flatten Your Curves 