I make plain porridge sweeter and creamier by adding 1 ingredient—not sugar or honey
This simple staple ingredient naturally makes porridge sweeter.
Porridge is one of my favourite breakfasts when I want something warm, comforting and filling in the morning. It’s so easy to make and can be made in various ways, such as on the hob, in the microwave and in the slow cooker. While oats are naturally quite plain, there are plenty of ways to make porridge taste delicious without drowning it in sugar.
After experimenting with a few different ingredients, I found one simple ripe banana made all the difference to the flavour of the breakfast dish. It created a creamy, naturally sweet bowl of porridge that was much more enjoyable than plain oats.
Ingredients:
- 40g plain porridge oats
- 200ml milk of your choice
- One ripe banana
- A pinch of cinnamon, optional
- A handful of berries, optional
- A small spoonful of peanut butter, optional
Method:
I started by adding the porridge oats and milk to a saucepan over medium heat. The key ingredient here is the banana, and the riper it is, the sweeter your porridge will be.
I mashed one ripe banana thoroughly with a fork until it was almost smooth, so it would blend easily into the oats as they cooked.
I stirred the mashed banana into the oats and milk, making sure it was evenly distributed. As it heats up, the banana naturally sweetens the whole bowl, so there’s no need to add sugar, honey or syrup.
I cooked the porridge gently for about five minutes, stirring regularly until the oats had softened and the mixture had thickened and become creamy.
The banana also gives the porridge a lovely creamy texture and makes it even more substantial.
I added a pinch of cinnamon for extra warmth and flavour, and it’s at this stage that you can add almost anything to it. Whether you fancy berries, peanut butter or keeping it plain as I did.
The fruit gave the oats such a lovely flavour and texture, and I was genuinely surprised by how much difference it made.
Because the banana is mashed into the breakfast rather than sliced on top, you get its sweetness throughout every mouthful.
For me, this is definitely the easiest way to make porridge more exciting without adding sugar or honey. It’s cheap, simple and fills me up all morning long.
