Oats so easy on a tight budget

By Stephanie Meades, functional nutritionist at Thirroul’s Life Wellness Co.

I often hear from my clients that one of the downsides of healthy eating is that it can eat into the family budget (pardon the pun). As cost of living is a massive issue for many right now, I am on a mission to make healthy eating more affordable by sharing family recipes that are super-nourishing and don’t cost a fortune. Breakfast is one of those times when many opt for cheap, nutrient-void cereals or toast to save costs. Yet there is an affordable way to feed the family a super-nourishing and warming breakfast with this Warming Spiced Porridge. Oats cost as little as $2 a kilo, and a little really does go a long way.

Winter Warming Spiced Porridge
Serves 2 (simply double for a family of 4)

Ingredients:

1 cup of rolled oats

1 tbsp of ghee or butter

1 cup of water

1 cup milk (oat, coconut or almond milk)

2 tsp of cinnamon powder

1 tsp of cardamon powder

½ cup of sultanas or chopped dried figs

1 tbsp of raw honey + extra to drizzle on top

Method:

Heat butter/ghee in a medium sized saucepan. Add oats and stir to coat in butter/ghee and lightly toast for 2-3 minutes (this adds heaps more depth to the flavour)

Add water and spices and stir to remove any lumps. Continue stirring whilst you add the milk of your choice. The more you stir, the creamier the porridge will be.

Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the porridge is thick and creamy. Divide into serving bowls and drizzle a little more raw honey. You can add a handful of berries or chopped bananas for extra goodness.

Enjoy a nourishing start to your day!