Cranberry, chia seed and carob porridge (oatmeal)

I know I did a giant porridge post not that long ago, but it has snowed twice here this week. Snow in London isn't all that common and so it very much feels like porridge weather. This cranberry, chia seed and carob porridge is a perfect breakfast for cold mornings. 

Our first snowfall was on Saturday, when I was graced with falling snow for miles 4 to 10 of my long run. It didn't really settle, but we had another light scattering yesterday and there were a few snow topped houses and white parks. It's a beautiful aspect of winter. 

I added chia seeds to this porridge bowl and have Shannon of Yup, It's Vegan and Kate of No Meat and Three Veg to thank for the idea. They mentioned using chia and flax seeds in their comments on my porridge round-up post. Chia really thickened up this porridge and of course packs added nutrition too.

In addition to the chia seeds, the porridge includes dried cranberries, fresh apple, and carob powder. I know not all of you like carob powder, and cocoa would work instead if you prefer. I added a dash of cocoa nibs to my bowl too, just because.

If you like your porridge sweet, you may want to add some extra sweetener to the mix. Regardless of the sweetness level, this will provide a full-flavoured, nutrition-packed, snow-worthy start to the day.

Cranberry, chia seed and carob porridge

A delicious way to start the day

Makes 1 modest serve; adjust the oat quantity to taste

Vegan

Author: Bite-sized thoughts, with inspiration from your comments on this post

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Ingredients

1/4 cup oats

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/4 cup water

1 tbsp chia seeds

2 tsp carob powder (or cocoa powder)

1 tsp cocoa nibs

1-2 tbsp dried cranberries

1 apple, chopped

Sweetener, optional and to taste

Method

If cooking on the stovetop, combine the oats, almond milk, water, chia seeds and carob/cocoa powder and cook over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes, until the porridge reaches simmering point. Reduce heat to low, add the cocoa nibs, cranberries and apple, and cook for another minute or so. Add sweetener at the end if you desire.

If cooking in the microwave, combine the oats, almond milk, water, chia seeds and carob/cocoa powder in a deep bowl and cook on medium-high heat for 1 minute, monitoring carefully to avoid it bubbling over. Stir, add the cocoa nibs, cranberries and apple, and return to the microwave for an additional 1 minute of cooking. Stir, and heat for a further 30 seconds if needed. Add sweetener at the end if you desire.

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