Creamy Vanilla Almond Milk Porridge with Sweet Honey Roasted Pears: Your Perfect Dairy-Free & Vegan Breakfast
Discover the ultimate dairy-free and optionally vegan breakfast with our smooth, creamy almond milk porridge, complemented by soft, juicy honey-roasted pears, a hint of cinnamon, and crunchy hazelnuts. It’s a wholesome and satisfying way to start your day!
The Delicious Discovery of Almond Milk
Until recently, almond milk was not a staple in my kitchen. It wasn’t until a spontaneous grocery store offer caught my eye that I decided to give it a try. Honestly, I approached it with a healthy dose of skepticism, unsure if it would live up to the hype or simply taste like diluted nuts. To my surprise, and absolute delight, I’m now completely hooked!
This plant-based milk offers a surprisingly delicious, subtly sweet, and wonderfully nutty flavor profile that has transformed my breakfast routine. While it might not be for everyone – my partner, Damian, famously declared it “really weird, and the taste didn’t fit the texture,” a sentiment I still can’t quite decipher – for me, it’s a revelation. I wouldn’t necessarily swap it for traditional milk in my tea, but for drinking a cold glass on its own or, even better, in hot chocolate, it’s truly exceptional. Almond milk hot chocolate, in particular, has become a comforting indulgence.
Why Almond Milk Porridge is a Game-Changer
My newfound appreciation for almond milk naturally led me to wonder: how would it fare in porridge? I had a strong hunch it would be fantastic, and my intuition proved absolutely correct. The result was an utterly delicious and comforting bowl of goodness, especially when perfectly paired with a splash of vanilla, tender and juicy honey-roasted pear, and a generous scattering of chopped hazelnuts and cinnamon.
The almond milk, particularly if you opt for a lightly sweetened variety, imparts a delicate sweetness and a wonderfully nutty depth to the porridge without ever becoming overpowering. It creates a creamy, smooth consistency that feels incredibly luxurious and satisfying. This isn’t just a dairy-free alternative; it’s a distinctively delicious experience that stands on its own.
Porridge: The Ultimate Healthy & Customizable Breakfast
Porridge has long been my go-to breakfast, and for good reason. It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy mornings. Beyond its convenience, it’s packed with health benefits, providing sustained energy and keeping you feeling full and satisfied until lunch. What truly elevates porridge, however, is its infinite customizability. From fruits and nuts to seeds and spices, the possibilities for toppings and mix-ins are endless, allowing you to create a fresh and exciting bowl every day.
This recipe provides quantities for a single serving, making it perfect for solo breakfasts. However, it’s incredibly simple to scale up if you’re feeding a crowd. Just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need. Even if you’re only making it for yourself, I highly recommend roasting a few extra pears at once. They store beautifully in the fridge for several days and can be gently reheated whenever you’re ready for another delicious serving. This makes meal prep a breeze and ensures you always have a gourmet topping on hand!
Crafting the Perfect Honey Roasted Pear
The honey roasted pear is more than just a topping; it’s a key element that elevates this almond milk porridge from simple to spectacular. Roasting the pear softens its flesh, intensifies its natural sweetness, and allows the honey to caramelize slightly, creating a wonderfully complex flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors, while a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic note that perfectly complements the pear. Choosing a ripe but firm pear is crucial here – varieties like Bartlett or Bosc work beautifully. The gentle heat of the oven transforms these humble fruits into sweet, juicy gems that practically melt in your mouth.
Dairy-Free and Easily Adaptable for Vegans
One of the best features of this almond milk porridge recipe is its inherent dairy-free nature. For those seeking a fully vegan option, the adaptations are minimal and straightforward. Simply swap the honey for an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar, both of which provide a similar sticky sweetness and complement the other flavors beautifully. For the small knob of butter used in roasting the pear, coconut oil is an excellent plant-based alternative that adds a subtle richness without any dairy. These simple substitutions ensure that everyone can enjoy this delightful breakfast, regardless of dietary preferences.
Vanilla Almond Milk Porridge With Honey Roasted Pear Recipe:
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Vanilla Almond Milk Porridge With Honey Roasted Pear
Ingredients
Honey Roast Pear
- 1 ripe pear
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- small knob butter or coconut oil
- squeeze of lemon juice about ½ tsp
- pinch ground cardamom or cinnamon
Porridge
- 45 g (½ cup) porridge oats
- 250 ml (1 cup) almond milk (or milk of your choice)
- 120 ml (½ cup) water
- ⅓ tsp vanilla bean paste
To Serve
- Extra almond milk as needed
- honey
- chopped nuts
- ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 190C/375F/gas mark 5. Halve and core the pear and place cut side up in a small roasting dish, drizzle with the honey and lemon juice and dot with the butter, sprinkle over a little cardamom or cinnamon. Roast for about 20 minutes until softened, basting occasionally with the roasting juice.
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Meanwhile, mix the oats, milk, water and vanilla paste in a saucepan; cook over a low heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until the coats are creamy and soft and the porridge has thickened. Add a little extra milk if needed to thin.
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Serve the porridge topped with the roasted pear and a little of the roasting syrup, a drizzle of honey, a handful of chopped nuts and a pinch of cinnamon.
Tips for the Perfect Porridge Every Time
- Choose Your Oats Wisely: For the creamiest texture, old-fashioned rolled oats are ideal as they break down beautifully while retaining some chew. Quick oats can be used for a faster cook time, but may result in a less satisfying texture. Steel-cut oats take longer but offer a delightful, chewy bite.
- Adjust Consistency: Porridge consistency is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a thinner porridge, simply stir in a little extra almond milk or water at the end until it reaches your desired creaminess.
- Sweetness Control: The recipe calls for honey or maple syrup for the pears, and if you use sweetened almond milk, that adds to the sweetness. Taste your porridge before adding extra sweeteners. You can always add a touch more honey, maple syrup, or a pinch of brown sugar at the end.
- Batch Roasting Pears: As mentioned, roasting several pears at once is a fantastic time-saver. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They can be enjoyed cold or gently warmed in the microwave or a low oven.
- Spice It Up: Don’t limit yourself to cinnamon and cardamom. Nutmeg, ginger, or even a mixed spice blend can add wonderful warmth and flavor to your roasted pears or porridge.
- Extra Toppings: Feel free to experiment with other toppings! Berries (fresh or frozen), banana slices, chia seeds, flax seeds, a dollop of nut butter, or even a sprinkle of dark chocolate shavings can all elevate your breakfast.
Nutritional Benefits of This Wholesome Breakfast
This vanilla almond milk porridge with honey-roasted pears is not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutritional benefits:
- Oats: A fantastic source of dietary fiber, especially beta-glucan, which is known to help lower cholesterol and promote gut health. Oats also provide sustained energy release, keeping you full and focused.
- Almond Milk: Naturally lactose-free and often fortified with calcium and vitamin D, making it an excellent dairy-free alternative for bone health. It’s also a source of Vitamin E, an antioxidant.
- Pears: Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like Vitamin C and K. They contribute to digestive health and provide natural sweetness.
- Honey (or Maple Syrup): Natural sweeteners that offer some antioxidants and minerals, providing energy without refined sugars.
- Hazelnuts: A great source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and Vitamin E, contributing to heart health and providing a satisfying crunch.
- Cinnamon: Beyond its delightful aroma and flavor, cinnamon has been studied for its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
A Breakfast to Savor
Whether you’re a long-time almond milk enthusiast or just beginning your plant-based journey, this vanilla almond milk porridge with honey-roasted pear is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. It’s a harmonious blend of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors, elevated by the tender warmth of roasted pears and a hint of spice. It’s truly a breakfast that feels indulgent yet is incredibly wholesome and nourishing.
Give it a try and discover just how delightful a dairy-free and easily adaptable vegan breakfast can be. It’s perfect for a cozy morning at home or as a sophisticated brunch option. Enjoy!
I am sharing this with Saucy Saturdays hosted by The Flavour Bender, La Petit Chef, Take Two Tapas and Mid-Life Croissant, Fabulous Foodie Fridays, Fiesta Friday, Foodie FriDIY, Foodie Friends Friday, Friday Favourites and Friday Features