OAT PORRIDGE

This time I present you the queen of the breakfast - porridge. Oat porridge! The dish almost as old as the world :)

When I was a kid I didn't like it at all. And I cannot decide why. Maybe it was the age or maybe my parents didn't know or bother to make it well/tasty? Anyway...It doesn't really matter.

Now I like it and my kids like it too. Do you know why? Because of sweet caramelized banana on top of it!

Many times in the evening just before going to bed, my son says to me: "Mommy, do you know what will I want to eat tomorrow for my breakfast?" :) And I know the answer! Oat porridge with caramelized banana on top :)

But let's start with the ingredients...

Oats are nutrient-rich food. It is a good source of fiber and vitamin B group, manganese, phosphorus and other elements. It is known that oats can lower the levels of cholesterol, improve blood sugar control and can help to relieve constipation.

Digestive oats

Banana contains a good amount of dietary fiber and proteins. It also has potassium which helps to manage blood pressure. And antioxidant properties (ripe banana has more of it compared to unripe ones). It can help to preserve memory thanks to its contents of amino acid tryptophan. And more :) It is also good as a prebiotic (yes, prEbiotic).

Healthy bananas

Vegan milk. What is the healthiest milk alternative? Well... The nutritional value of it depends on the milk you use. Most milk alternatives are low in fat, do not contain cholesterol. Vegan milk is a good option if you are allergic to lactose, enjoy trying new flavors or you are the counting calories type of person.

Vegan milk

Cinnamon is known for its medical properties for thousand of years. It can be used as a natural food preservative. Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also has powerful anti-diabetic effect. Cinnamon helps fight fungal infections and has many other beneficial features to out bodies. So use enjoy it if you can :) 

Helpful cinnamon

Flax seeds. In a vegan kitchen it is useful to have it not only as an egg substitute but also for many other things. It is a highly nutritious food containing antioxidants and fiber, vitamins and other super good things for your body. It can improve your digestive health, lower blood pressure, tackle some joint problems or reduce the risk of cancer. But be aware to use it grounded.

Rich flax seeds

Chia seeds have very few calories and lots of nutrients. It has high antioxidant content. It has a fair amount of fiber and a decent amount of protein. Chia seeds are full of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Chia seeds are a source of selenium which is important for normal functioning of the immune system, thyroid function, maintenance of normal nails and hair.

Nutritious chia seeds

Coconut oil. There are plenty of ways to use coconut oil. To be honest, I use it for my skin, hair and food. Some studies have shown that coconut oil was active against candida albicans.

Due to its high levels of saturated fat, there are different opinions on using coconut oil and I encourage you to check it out and inform yourself better. But like with everything else, it is good to have diversity and seek for harmony (rather than abusing any 1 product all the time).

Multifaceted coconut oil

Agave syrup. I avoid white refined sugar as much as possible and search for alternatives. One of those alternatives I use is agave syrup. It has lower glycemic index which means they are more slowly digested, absorbed and metabolized and cause a lower and slower rise in blood glucose and, therefore usually, insulin levels.

Sweet agave syrup

Ingredients:

1 cup oats

2 banana

1 cup non dairy milk

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp flax seeds (powder)

1 tsp chia seeds

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tbsp agave syrup (I used this: Biona Organic - Agave Syrup - 500ml)

Making:

1. Smash half a banana with the fork.

2. Add non dairy milk, cinnamon and oats. Mix it well. Put it to boil for several minutes (until the oats are done). If you like your porridge more liquid, add a bit more of non dairy milk.

3. Take it out of the heat and add chia seeds and grounded flax seeds.

4. Put some oil and agave syrup in the frying pan. Slice the rest of banana and put it to fry. Flip it up. And take it out when it will turn golden.
5. Add caramelized banana on the porridge.

Enjoy it!