When pumpkin season hits, this pumpkin porridge is one of our go-to breakfasts. All the delicious comforting flavours of a sweet pumpkin pie, but in some breakfast oats. Pumpkin Porridge is also a great way to sneak some extra fruit (yes, pumpkin is a fruit) into your diet.
There is so much more that you can do with pumpkin than just carve them. The flesh is delicious turned in to puree and added to oats or cakes and cookies. You can puree the pumpkin yourself, or just buy it in a can and save yourself some time. Canned pumpkin is a cupboard staple in the autumn.
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What you will need
- Oats - Rolled oats (old fashioned) are best.
- Pumpkin - We used canned pumpkin puree, but fresh will work too. See below for how to use a fresh pumpkin.
- Milk - We used whole milk, but semi-skimmed (2%) will also work, as will non-dairy such as almond, cashew or tiger nut.
- Maple syrup - Adds some nice sweetness. Honey can be used too.
- Chia seeds - To add some healthy protein.
- Spices - We wanted that lovely, warming spiced pumpkin taste, so we added cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg.
Step by step
One: Put all of the ingredients in a saucepan and mix well.
Two: Simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
Three: Divide between bowls and top with yogurt and maple syrup and any other toppings of your choice.
Why should you try it?
- A delicious way to use pumpkin
- A warming and comforting breakfast
- Kids love it
- Easy to adapt
Healthy benefits of pumpkin
Pumpkins have lots of health benefits. Firstly, it is low in calories and high in fibre. This means it will keep you fuller for longer and a high fibre diet has been proven to keep your heart healthy.
Pumpkins contain high amounts of of vitamin A, which can help reduce the decline of retinal function, meaning your eyes will stay healthier. They are also high in beta-carotene and other antioxidants with cancer protective properties.
They are high in phytoestrogens which can lower blood pressure. And finally, they are rich in tryptophan. This is responsible for making serotonin, which helps improve your mood and can help improve your quality of sleep. So all in all, pumpkins really are great for you.
How to make pumpkin puree
You can save yourself some time by using canned pumpkin puree, however if you want to make your own then it isn't that difficult. You could bake it in the oven, or boil it in a pan, which is what we do as it's much quicker.
- Firstly, cut the pumpkin in half and remove all the seeds, pulp and skin. Don't throw the seeds away, as you can save them to roast for snacks.
- Cube the pumpkin flesh into large pieces.
- Put the pumpkin cubes in a large saucepan full of water. Bring the water to a boil and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
- Drain and leave it to cool down completely before putting it in a blender and blending until smooth.
You can store your pumpkin puree in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
What to top it with
The best thing about porridge is all the toppings you can load on it. We added yogurt, maple syrup and pecans with some pumpkin seeds. However, you could add your favourite nuts, seeds and dried fruit. Some chia seeds sprinkled on top are good too.
Another delicious autumnal topping option is sautéed cinnamon apples. They go really well with the pumpkin and spices.
How to make it vegan
It's easy to make this porridge vegan. Make sure you use a vegan milk alternative (we really like oat milk) and then a coconut yogurt on top and keep all the other toppings vegan.
FAQs
If you measure it out, then you should have just the right amount of porridge for breakfast. However, if you end up with too much, don't throw it away.
You can use leftover porridge to make pancakes. Make sure it is completely cooled first, and then mix in some flour, eggs and milk and drop a few tablespoons of batter in to an oiled pan and cook for a couple of minutes each time.
Extra tips
- You can swap the maple syrup for honey (or another liquid sweetener), however it will no longer be vegan.
- Don't throw leftover porridge away. Turn it in pancakes instead.
- You can make this vegan by using a vegan milk alternative like almond or oat and then making sure all the toppings are vegan.
- For gluten free porridge, make sure you use certified gluten free oats.
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Recipe
Pumpkin Pie Porridge
Ingredients
- 60 g oats
- 350 ml whole milk
- 5 tablespoon pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- Pecans and dried cherries for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients in a saucepan and mix well.
- Simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickened.
- Divide between bowls and top with yogurt and maple syrup and any other toppings of your choice.
Notes
- You can swap the maple syrup for honey (or another liquid sweetener), however it will no longer be vegan.
- Don't throw leftover porridge away. Turn it in pancakes instead.
- You can make this vegan by using a vegan milk alternative like almond or oat and then making sure all the toppings are vegan.
- For gluten free porridge, make sure you use certified gluten free oats.
- Weight Watchers SmartPoints: 10
Annie
This is wonderful, I made it this morning, it was like eating warm pumpkin pie. I used coconut milk from the can and added a pich of ground cloves. It was absolutely wonderful! Thank you for sharing.
Gina
This is a gorgeous bowl for breakfast! Love the added nutrients from the pumpkin and how the chia seeds help thicken things up. A blank slate for toppings too!
Jacqueline and
I would never have thought to make pumpkin porridge. I do love these spices you used. So autumnal.
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
This sounds like such a delicious breakfast option especially at this time of year with the delicious autumnal flavours.
Shashi
I love a good porridge - it's what I'm eating right now - but mine is sans all the pumpkin and spices you have here - sounds delicious - looking forward to trying this!
Sandhya's Kitchen
This Pumpkin Pie Porridge is nothing short of deliciousness. Love the Autumn flavors and spices in the porridge.