Top 10 Ways to Pimp Your Porridge

Porridge is a favourite of mine. It's so warming and nourishing and hearty, it's almost like a big hug, especially on a cold morning! Not to mention it's cost effective, quick and easy to make, filling and extremely nutritious. In fact, I think I could eat porridge on it's own for days on end. If you're sitting there thinking 'but porridge is so bland', I have news for you! Porridge is what you make of it...seriously. It's incredibly versatile and there are endless ways that you can change up this classic dish. Here are my top ten suggestions to pimp your porridge.

1. Make it chocolatey by adding a spoon of cacao. You could even add shredded coconut and cherries for a creative take on the classic cherry ripe

2. Add a scoop of your favourite protein powder for extra energy

3. Be daring and add something savoury like roast tomato, spinach or an egg - who said porridge has to be sweet?

4. Get creative and add a crumble topping for extra crunch - simply top your porridge with some muesli or make your own with raw oats, nuts and seeds

5. Add freshly grated ginger along with cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and ground clove for a chai porridge. A chopped date on top would be a sweet addition!

6. Stir through some grated vegetables - you could add pumpkin or carrot with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon for something sweet (did someone say pumpkin pie or carrot cake?), or you could even add zucchini with pepper and herbs for a savoury option

7. Stir in frozen berries - they'll melt as they heat up and will make the porridge turn a beautiful colour while also tasting delicious

8. Add matcha for a 'green tea' porridge, banana works as a great addition here!

9. Make a nutty gooey mess by stirring in a spoon of your favourite nut butter

10. Instead of using oats, try quinoa flakes. They have a beautiful nutty caramel flavour and are also a great source of protein

Savoury porridge with roast tomato, spinach, walnuts and pepper