Although the winter Ibiza sun is shining in its full glory here, there’s something about starting the day with a steaming bowl of porridge that just feels right in the winter months. In recent years porridge has definitely made a comeback and it seems to have had a new health pimp with the likes of alternative grains being used such as quinoa, buckwheat groats, amaranth and teff to name but a few. Adding refined sugar is deemed a big no no and the dairy has been dumped in favour of healthy non-dairy milk like oat, barley, almond and coconut.

I was a bit sceptical that my favourite childhood porridge could taste as good without that spoonful of sugar and creamy full fat milk…but this recipe is a total revelation – it is in fact far more delicious with a grown up dimension from a touch of spice from the cinnamon, a gorgeous caramel richness from the dates, a nutty crunch of almonds and clean texture of apple that keep you satisfied with every spoonful. But better still, you are starting your day fuelling your body with magnitude of health benefits. I’ve decided not to swap the oats for alternative grains because with the aid of scientific research it has been revealed that oats are the healthiest grains you can have in your diet.

So here’s my pitch for the power of oats….

1.They contain a massive source of soluble fibre which inhibits the body’s absorption of LDL which is known as the bad cholesterol.

2.Since oatmeal is hugely high in fibre – which is heart-healthy, it offers many cardiovascular benefits including a reduced risk of developing high blood pressure. Studies show that men can also reduce their risk of heart failure if they eat one bowl of oatmeal per day.

3.Oats contains a special type of antioxidant called avenanthramide that helps fight off free radicals that attack the good cholesterol which in turn reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. They also stabilise blood sugar levels and won’t cause the mid-morning slumps, which comes from eating a lot of sugar and carbs in the morning.

4.They are extremely high in magnesium which regulates the body’s insulin and glucose levels can also lower the risk for diabetes.

5.And finally…they contain an excellent balance of essential fatty acids which have been linked with longevity and general good health, they have one of the best amino acid profiles of any grain. Oats are a powerhouse of essential vitamins such as thiamin, folic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid and vitamin E. They also contain zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium which are all fabulous for antiaging, skin elasticity and maintains healthy strong hair and nails.

So don’t delay and start getting yours oats today!

Ingredients

Serves 2

120g Organic oatmeal

600ml Oat milk or barley milk, almond milk (all unsweetened)

6 Madjool dates (stoned and chopped – save a small amount for garnish)

20g Dried apple rings chopped

pinch sea salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon vanilla paste (optional)

1 Apple grated (skin on)

20g Toasted almonds chopped (for garnish)

Method

1. Combine milk, oats, dates, dried apple, vanilla paste and a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until mixture is thick and creamy – about 4 minutes. Add more milk if it is too thick
2. Spoon into bowls and top with the chopped almonds, grated apple and some of the reserved dates.

• these garnishes are just a suggestion, you can add fresh berries, bee pollen and cacao nibs if you like