Grated apple softens into porridge while a few diced pieces keep a little texture. Rolled oats give this breakfast a creamy finish without the longer cooking time of steel-cut oats. A pinch of salt sharpens the flavour, even though the bowl is sweet.

Start with the lower amount of sweetener and taste after cooking. Apples vary a lot, and a sweet eating apple may need very little syrup. The porridge thickens in the bowl, so stop cooking while it is a little looser than you want to eat it.

The recipe

Apple cinnamon porridge

2 servings · 20 minutes total · Metric measurements

Ingredients

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Method

  1. Prepare the appleCoarsely grate about two-thirds of the apple, including the skin if you like. Cut the rest into small dice so it cooks quickly.
  2. CombinePut the oats, milk, water, grated and diced apple, cinnamon and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir well.
  3. Cook gentlyBring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then lower the heat. Cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring frequently and scraping the base, until the oats are tender and the diced apple has softened.
  4. Adjust the textureAdd a little extra water or milk if the porridge becomes stiff. It should flow slowly from the spoon. Taste and add maple syrup only if needed.
  5. ServeDivide between two bowls and add the optional nuts or seeds. Let it cool to a comfortable eating temperature before serving.

Small details that help

  • Use rolled oats, not steel-cut oats, for the stated liquid and timing. Quick oats will cook faster and make a softer texture.
  • Stir more often near the end because milk-based porridge can catch on the base.
  • Dice the apple small. Large chunks can stay firm after the oats are ready.

Swaps and variations

Use pear instead of apple for a softer fruit finish. Add a tablespoon of raisins at the start if you like a sweeter bowl. Choose a plant drink that suits your dietary needs, and check oats and toppings carefully if avoiding gluten or nuts.

What to serve with it

Serve as it is, or add a spoonful of plain yogurt once the porridge is in the bowl. Keep crunchy toppings separate until the last moment. Children and anyone with swallowing difficulties may need toppings adapted appropriately.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate promptly in a covered container and use within 2 days. Reheat with extra liquid, stirring well, until 74°C / 165°F throughout. Let it cool to eating temperature afterward. Store toppings separately.

Food-safety reference: safe cooking and reheating temperatures. Refrigerate perishable food within 2 hours, or 1 hour above 32°C / 90°F. Keep the refrigerator at 4°C / 40°F or below.

Common questions

Can I leave out the syrup?

Yes. The apple provides sweetness, and the syrup is optional.

Can I make one portion?

Halve all ingredients and use a small saucepan. Begin checking a little earlier because the smaller quantity can thicken quickly.

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