Oatmeal for breakfast is always a good choice because it is wonderfully creamy and provides you with everything you need for a good start to the day. Since oatmeal is so versatile, there is something for every taste. How about cherry oatmeal today?
Cherry Oatmeal: A Delicious Comfort Breakfast
While oatmeal is a familiar face on the North American breakfast table, they actually come from across the pond! Scotland is able to boastfully be known as the heartland of oatmeal, where it is known as porridge. Oats and barley were the predominant grains in Scotland, the grains love a wet and cold climate. Farmers and cooks alike utilized the nourishing crops and made it into a filling and commoner’s meal. In the 18th century, porridge was still considered “poor people’s food” and was not only eaten hot, but also served cooled and sliced. In addition, it used to be eaten savory with a little butter and salt.
We now know oatmeal as something sweeter, like with our cherry oatmeal. You don’t need many ingredients to prepare it: rolled oats, fresh or frozen cherries, plant-based milk or milk, some honey, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt are enough to whip up this dish in just a few minutes. Obviously these ingredients are so yummy together, but there are some health benefits that come with this dish. The rolled oats provide energy and fiber, which will keep you full and satisfied for a long time. Cherries provide valuable vitamins and antioxidants. The cocoa gives the porridge a cozy note that is guaranteed to put you in a good mood, which itself can contribute to wellness.
Before serving, you can optionally add nuts or chia seeds to give your bowl of oatmeal some crunch and even more nutrients.
Try other delicious oatmeal recipes too, like our Scottish porridge, zoats (zucchini-oatmeal), and lemon baked oats!
Cherry Porridge
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherries fresh or canned, pitted
- ¾ cup rolled Oats
- 3¼ cups plant-based milk or milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 pinch of salt
- chopped nuts optional
- chia seeds optional
Instructions
- Wash, halve, and pit the cherries. If using canned cherries, drain them.
- In a saucepan, combine the rolled oats, plant-based milk (or milk), cocoa powder, honey, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Spoon a tablespoon of cherries into each bowl, then top with a tablespoon of oatmeal. Alternate layers until the bowls are full, ending with a layer of cherries.
- Optionally, sprinkle chopped nuts or chia seeds over the cherry oatmeal.