Gluten-free polenta porridge with plum compote and almonds

Gluten-free polenta porridge made with cornmeal and milk, with warm plum compote, star anise and flaked almonds. A winter breakfast without oats, ready in 25 minutes.

At a glance

• Serves 2
• Prep time: 10 min
• Cooking time: 15 min
• Total time: 25 min
• Calories: 429 kcal per serving
• Protein: 14 g
• Fat: 13 g
• Carbs: 62 g

Ingredients

• 300g plums
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp honey
• 400ml milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla powder
• 80g polenta
• 20g flaked almonds
• 1 star anise
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 pinch of salt

Method

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

1. Halve and stone the plums.
2. Simmer the plums, water, star anise, cinnamon and honey over a low heat for 8 min, until the fruit falls apart. Remove the star anise.
3. Bring the milk, vanilla powder and salt to the boil and sprinkle in the polenta, stirring.
4. Leave the polenta to swell over a low heat for 5 min, stirring so it doesn't catch.
5. Toast the flaked almonds in a dry frying pan until golden brown.
6. Divide the porridge between two bowls, top with the compote and scatter over the almonds.

Good to know

You know polenta as a side dish – with milk and vanilla, it becomes a breakfast porridge. It's ready in five minutes and has a mild corn flavour. The plum compote with star anise brings winter to the bowl.

Swaps

Polenta → millet flakes. Milk → almond milk (no cow's milk; for vegan, also swap the honey for maple syrup). Plums → frozen cherries. Star anise → a pinch of ground cloves.

Cooking tips

Use instant polenta, which cooks in 5 min; coarse polenta needs 20 min and more milk. Sprinkle it in slowly and stir with a whisk to stop lumps forming.

Storage

The compote keeps in the fridge for 5 days; the polenta sets when cold, so stir it smooth again over the heat with a splash of milk.

Allergens

Gluten-free (check your polenta is gluten-free), no egg; contains milk and almonds. Leave out the honey for babies under one year old.

Frequently asked questions

How long does polenta porridge keep in the fridge?

The compote keeps in the fridge for 5 days; the polenta sets when cold, so stir it smooth again over the heat with a splash of milk.