As we transition into fall with the energy most activating for the lungs and the intestines, let’s inhale a moment of calm, a sense of balance, and a pause to allow perspective and then exhale our troubles, the daily grind, the rush and the worry. As we inhale once more, smell a sweet and grounding scent of a beautiful, nourishing, and a delicious breakfast porridge of millet and pumpkin. This one-pot meal can be made on the stove top, in the InstantPot or in a slow cooker.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH: Breakfast Porridge
All you need is three basic ingredients: millet, water, and pumpkin. If you prefer butternut squash or a sweet potato, or any other winter gourd, feel free to substitute for the pumpkin.
The proportions are as follows but can be modified without an issue: 2 c millet, 2-4c pumpkin, 8-10c water (depending on whether you like your porridge on a thicker or on the thinner side.
Cut up the pumpkin or whatever vegetable you are using into 1/2-1 in pieces. If you are short on time, buy cut-up vegetables.
Combine water, millet and pumpkin in a pot (for stovetop), crock (for slow cooker), or an Instant pot.
For stovetop, bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot with a lid and cook for 30-40 min.
For slow cooker, set on SLOW and leave overnight for a delicious hot breakfast to greet you in the morning.
For instant pot, use MULTIGRAIN and leave with KEEP WARM overnight.
When the porridge is cooked, season it with salt and butter (or coconut oil for a vegan option).
If you'd like you can leave the chunks of pumpkin as they are or you can mash them and incorporate into the porridge.
Personally, I like to mash the pumpkin in because it adds natural sweetness to the dish and gives it a very happy golden-orange color.
If the porridge is too thick, add water to reach the desired consistency.
All standard fill-ins and toppings that are common for oatmeal can be used here as well.
In my house we call this a Golden Porridge and we enjoy it with just the salt and butter.
This porridge is a comforting warm meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day.
When it cools, the porridge will solidify and will return to its original creamy texture when heated.
This meal can also be easily frozen for quick freezer meals in the future.
Overall this meal offers an amazing nutrient assortment, including beta-carotene, iron, fiber, protein, just to name a few. It is also low on a glycemic index and contains soluble fiber that supports optimal cholesterol levels.
