Overnight Pumpkin Porridge

Name: Overnight Pumpkin Porridge
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients: 3/4 tsp (3 mL) ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground ginger; Pinch salt; 1 cup (250 mL) unsweetened pumpkin purée; 2 cups (500 mL) milk; 1 cup (250 mL) water; 1 cup (250 mL) steel-cut oats; 4 tsp (20 mL) maple syrup divided; Pumpkin seeds to garnish (optional); Additional ground cinnamon

Our dietitians' favourite

Cooking oats in milk creates a creamy texture and cooks the nutrients right in. This overnight soak method reduced the cooking time of steel-cut oats by about half while also allowing the flavour of the pumpkin and the aromatic spices to blend into a comforting breakfast while you sleep.

Prep: 5 min - 10 min
Cooking: 10 min - 15 min
Refrigeration: 6 h - 12 h

Yields 4 Servings

Ingredients

3/4 tsp (3 mL) ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground ginger
Pinch salt
1 cup (250 mL) unsweetened pumpkin purée
2 cups (500 mL) milk
1 cup (250 mL) water
1 cup (250 mL) steel-cut oats
4 tsp (20 mL) maple syrup divided
Pumpkin seeds to garnish (optional)
Additional ground cinnamon

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Preparation

In an airtight container or bowl, stir together cinnamon, ginger, salt and pumpkin; gradually stir in milk and water. Stir in oats. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or for up to 12 hours.

Transfer oat mixture to a large saucepan; stir well. Bring just to a boil over medium heat, stirring often. Reduce heat and boil gently, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes or until thick and oats are tender. Remove from heat, cover and let stand for 3 minutes.

Spoon porridge into 4 bowls and drizzle each with 1 tsp (5 mL) maple syrup and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and cinnamon.

Tips

Be sure to use traditional steel-cut oats for this recipe and not a quick-cooking variety as the quick-cooking oats create a mushy, pasty texture with this soaking method.

Extra porridge can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add more milk to thin to desired texture when reheating. Reheat on medium-high (70%) power in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat.

Extra pumpkin purée can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for a few months. Add pumpkin to smoothies, muffins, soups and even spaghetti sauce.