Creamy Banana Porridge

21.10 in and, banana, carrot, creamy, lentil, Paid, porridge, potato, soup, sweet

Porridge (or to you Americans, oatmeal). Warming, filling and lets not forget delicious! What better way to start the day than enjoying a big bowl of it, topped off with some delicious options? 

Only at the beginning of last year did I realise there are literally so many different combinations of flavours and toppings to opt for. I was brought up eating your plain, simple milk and oats porridge (sometimes sprinkled with some sugar), and although that is delicious, it can get a little boring after a while. Simply topping porridge with some fruit can give it an extra oomph. There is bound to be a recipe that takes your top spot. Or if youre like me, you cant get enough of one and then all of a sudden youre absolutely loving some other kind of combination. 

Even if you think you arent a fan of porridge (I may or may not be judging you right now), there has to be at least one recipe that will take your fancy and win you over. Maybe it could be this one?

Typically, I go for 1/3 or 1/2 a cup of oats, depending on how hungry I am, and just over double the amount of liquid as I prefer my porridge to be a little ploppy (not too stiff, not too runny). Also, I always top mine with some kind of berry, usually theyre a frozen mixture and I just throw them in whilst its still cooking - which turns the porridge a lovely purple colour. But, well sometimes have fresh strawberries or something in the fridge.

A few weeks ago, I saw this packet of milled linseed in Lidl for only £1.99 and just had to try it out. Its nutritious, as it has sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, goji berries and chia seeds within the mixture too - perfect for sprinkling over the top. 

Ive been enjoying this recipe for the past 2/3 months. Its easy and quick to make in the morning and keeps me satisfied until my mid morning snack - sometimes even lunch.

Ingredients:

1 serving

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 banana, mashed
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon 
• Toppings - berries, nuts, seeds

Directions:

1. Measure out the oats and liquid and pour into a pan and place on a medium heat.

2. Mash your banana and add it to the pan, stirring to mix it in. By adding this in you are giving the porridge some sweetness and, as the banana melts, it makes it lovely and creamy.

3. Sprinkle in the cinnamon and stir continuously, making sure the porridge doesnt stick.

4. Once it starts reaching a thicker consistency, usually after 2 minutes or so, throw in any frozen berries and stir for another minute.

5. Serve, top and enjoy! 

Whether youre a fan of stiff, runny or ploppy porridge, Id love to know your favourite combinations. 

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Carrot Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup

09.52 in 2, 8, and, carrot, id, lentil, like, Paid, part, places, potato, soup, sweet, to, visit

Soup. Its simple, comforting and perfect for all year round. My go to soup is this delicious carrot, sweet potato and lentil soup. The bit of cumin gives it a warming flavour and the lentils are a good source of protein to help keep you fuller for longer. It contains ingredients that, will more often than not, already be in your kitchen - its such a lovely little soup to quickly whip up when needed. 

Over the past 2 weeks, I have consumed quite a lot of it, due to the fact I got braces. As anyone who has ever had braces knows, which is surprisingly quite a lot of people, that they can be a pain (literally) to eat with for the first week or 2 - and Ive heard its worse when you get them tightened. Oh the joys! 

Im also pretty busy with college work as this week is mock exam week. Although I dont have exam, exam, exam, I only realised a few weeks ago how much I need to know. Also, me being me, forgot about a whole heap of homework I had to do during the holidays - woop fun times. So this soup has come in handy. Having a few servings worth in the fridge ready to heat up whenever I dont have time to prepare something else.

Of course sweet potato is making an appearance again, who doesnt love them? No seriously, is there anyone who doesnt actually like them? If there is, what, why and how?

Anyway onto the recipe...

Ingredients:

• 3 Large carrots 
• 1 Large sweet potato
• 1 Onion
• 2/3 cup Red split lentils
• 2 Garlic cloves
• Boiled water
• 1/2 tsp Mixed herbs
• 1/2 tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Paprika 
• Salt and pepper 
• 1 tbsp oil 

Directions:

Serves 4/5

1. Firstly, peel the sweet potato and carrots and then dice them. Rinse the lentils under some water.

2. Add the oil of choice to a large pan on a medium heat. Chop the onion and crush the garlic, then add them to the pan. 

3. Once the onion has softened, add in the diced carrot, potato and then the rinsed lentils. Pour over some boiling water (enough to cover the ingredients).

4. Turn the heat up and bring to a boil. Add in the herbs, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper. Then cover with a lid.

5. Stirring occasionally, leave to boil for 20 minutes. If needed, add in extra water to make sure it doesnt all soak up.

6. After 20 minutes, check to see if the everything has soften, if so remove from heat and leave to stand for a few minutes. Then blend the soup.

7. If needed, return to the heat briefly and then serve.

Printable Recipe Card

It goes perfectly alongside a piece of crusty bread or, my brothers preference, a small bowl of chunky chips. 

You can store any leftovers in sealed tupperware in the fridge, Id say for no more than 4 days, and have it to hand throughout the week. Or you could freeze it, allow it to completely cool and then pour it into a zip top freezer bag, release any excess air and then place in the freezer. It can last up to around 2/3 months.

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