I’ve been lucky enough to escape to the sunshine a few times this Winter and while it’s been great to have a break from the rain, I must admit there is something about being cold that I enjoy! I love getting rugged up in a nice knitted jumper and thick socks and not to mention all the warm Winter comfort food! This porridge is a big favourite come Winter time and perfect for those chilly mornings. There’s just something about poached fruit that I can’t go past!

Quinoa and Oat Porridge with Poached Fruits

Ingredients

• 4 pears, peeled
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks I’ve
• 3 star anise
• 1 vanilla pod, halved and beans scraped out
• 2 cups dried fruit, cut into large chunks (I used peaches, figs and prunes)
• 2 pieces lemon peel
• About 1 litre water (to almost cover the pears, about 1cm from the top)
• 3/4 cup quinoa
• 3/4 cup oats
• 3 cups milk (I used coconut milk for extra flavour)

Method

Place the pears, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, star anise, vanilla pod and beans, dried fruit, lemon peel and water in a medium saucepan. Bring to the boil and then simmer for about 40-45 minutes or until the pears are tender. Take out the pears and then boil the syrup until it reduces down into a maple syrup-like consistency. Take out the cinnamon sticks, star anise, vanilla pod and lemon peels before serving.

To make the porridge, place the quinoa, oats and milk in a small/medium saucepan and combine. Bring to the boil and simmer gently, stirring occasionally,  for about 30 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked/soft. If it starts getting a bit dry, just add in some extra milk.

Serve the porridge topped with a poached pear, poached fruits and syrup. Enjoy!

-Soph xx