Banana porridge with pecans

Banana porridge with pecans: oats, banana, almond milk, cinnamon and coconut oil – creamy, warm and pleasantly naturally sweet.

At a glance

• Serves 2
• Prep time: 5 min
• Cooking time: 10 min
• Total time: 15 min
• Calories: 380 kcal per serving
• Protein: 10 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Carbs: 65 g

Ingredients

• 1 large banana
• 60g rolled oats
• 200ml unsweetened almond milk
• 100ml water
• 1 tbsp pecans
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp coconut oil

Method

You’ll need: frying pan · saucepan · chopping board · knife · mixing bowl · wooden spoon · spatula

1. Heat the oats in a pan with the almond milk, water, a pinch of salt and some of the cinnamon. Bring briefly to the boil, then leave to thicken over a low heat until creamy, stirring as you go.
2. Meanwhile, peel the banana and cut it into thick slices. Melt the coconut oil in a frying pan and briefly fry the banana slices in it.
3. Pour the remaining cinnamon and the maple syrup over the banana. Carefully turn the slices and let them turn golden brown.
4. Stir the porridge until it's soft and creamy. If needed, bring it to the consistency you like with a little water or almond milk.
5. Roughly chop the pecans so they add a bit of bite later.
6. Spoon the porridge into a bowl, lay the warm banana slices on top and serve with the pecans.

Good to know

A porridge like this feels like an unhurried morning. Creamy, warm and sweet only from what's already in it. Just right when you like things simple and honest.

Swaps

Banana → mashed pear or unsweetened apple purée (milder sweetness) Maple syrup (or honey, if it doesn't need to be vegan) → date paste, or simply leave it out (natural sweetness, or simply less sweet) Unsweetened almond milk → diluted tinned coconut milk (creamier)

Allergens

Contains tree nuts (pecans, plus almonds from the almond milk) and gluten (oats) unless the oats are labelled gluten-free. Generally suitable for children if nuts are offered in an age-appropriate form, and in pregnancy usually fine as long as you get on well with the ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

What fibre is in the oats?

Oats contain soluble and insoluble fibre. Beta-glucans are particularly well known, and they also help create the typical creamy texture of porridge.

What does the banana provide apart from sweetness?

Banana mainly contains potassium, vitamin B6 and some vitamin C. The riper it is, the sweeter it tastes and the softer its starch structure becomes.

Who should avoid pecans?

Many people get on fine with pecans, but anyone with a nut allergy should definitely avoid them. Their fat content makes them quite rich, so a small amount is usually enough.

Does cinnamon have much to offer nutritionally?

Cinnamon contains plant compounds and is valued mainly for its aroma – here it flavours both the porridge and the banana.

What nutrients does unsweetened almond milk contain?

That depends a lot on the product. Plain almond milk is usually fairly thin, while fortified versions may also contain calcium, vitamin D or vitamin B12 – it's worth checking the label.

Dairy-free recipes