A warm, slow-burn breakfast for when you need comfort and stamina in a bowl
Some mornings feel like a marathon before 9am. Emails flying, socks missing, coffee going cold. If that’s you, pull up a spoon—this Oat & Quinoa Porridge is the hug-in-a-bowl breakfast that’ll carry you through.
Made for solo eaters who want something hearty, not heavy, this porridge blends nutty quinoa with creamy oats and gently spiced apple. It’s vego-friendly, full of fibre, and guaranteed to keep you full ‘til your next proper sit-down.
It’s also ridiculously adaptable, easy to make in one pot, and reheats like a charm—if you’re the meal-prepping type.
🌾 Why This Breakfast Works
This isn’t just your basic oats-with-milk situation. We’ve taken it up a level with quinoa for extra plant protein, plus apple and cinnamon for gut health, flavour, and a bit of sweetness without the sugar crash.
- Quinoa = complete plant protein + iron
- Oats = beta-glucan fibre to support heart health and keep you full
- Apple = prebiotic fibre + gentle sweetness
- Cinnamon = blood sugar balancing spice magic
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 1)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rolled oats | ¼ cup (25g) |
| Cooked quinoa (or raw*) | ¼ cup cooked (or 2 tbsp raw) |
| Milk or plant milk | ¾ cup (plus extra to loosen) |
| Water | ¼ cup |
| Apple (grated or diced) | ½ small |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ tsp |
| Pinch of salt | Small pinch |
| Maple syrup or honey | 1–2 tsp (to taste) |
| Chopped almonds or walnuts | 1 tbsp (optional) |
Optional toppings:
- A spoonful of yoghurt
- Drizzle of almond butter
- Sprinkle of flaxseeds or hemp seeds for bonus nutrients
👩🍳 Instructions
- If using raw quinoa, rinse it well under cold water. This step removes bitterness.
- In a small saucepan, combine oats, quinoa, milk, water, apple, cinnamon, and salt.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir often.
- Simmer for about 8–10 minutes, or until the porridge is thick and creamy. Add a splash more milk if it thickens too quickly.
- Stir through maple syrup or honey to taste. Adjust texture—some like it thick and spoonable, others more pourable.
- Pour into a bowl and top with chopped nuts and any extras you like. Deep breath. Spoon in.
🍽 Nutrition Snapshot (Approximate)
Based on full cream milk, 1 tsp maple syrup
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Protein: ~10g
- Fibre: ~6g
- Iron: ~10% RDI
- Calcium: ~20% RDI
- Glycaemic impact: Low to moderate (slow-release carbs)
💡 Tips & Hacks
- Batch it: Make 2–3 serves ahead and store in containers. Add a splash of milk before reheating.
- Speed it up: Pre-cook quinoa and keep it in the fridge or freezer in ¼ cup portions.
- Seasonal twist: Sub apple for pear, stone fruit, or frozen berries in summer.
🥄 Solo Life Friendly
This recipe is:
✅ One pot
✅ Low-fuss ingredients
✅ High in fibre and protein
✅ Fridge-friendly for up to 3 days
🙌 Wrap Up
Whether you’re powering through emails or heading out for a walk, this porridge gives you long-lasting energy without weighing you down. It’s gentle on the gut, kind to your wallet, and built for mornings when toast just won’t cut it.
🔄 Explore More
For another warm and hearty solo breakfast, have a browse through the rest of our Breakfast recipes.
💬 Your Turn
Got a secret topping combo? A shortcut you love? Share your solo porridge wisdom in the comments or tag #Plan4OneBreakfast on your socials—we’re all about celebrating one-bowl wonders.
