On a cold winters morning, there is nothing that can quite beat a hot and steaming bowl of porridge. This porridge has a slight twist because it also has flaxseed, raisins, flaked almonds, apples and chia so this is a filling breakfast full of fibre, good fats, protein and antioxidants. so it will keep you full for longer and help to balance your blood sugar levels. The apple sauce is also very beneficial to your digestive system helping to reduce inflammation and support your immune system.
The apple sauce is really simple to make – just stew some apples and then put them into a food processor, blend and you have apple sauce. Make the sauce the night before and then store it in the fridge and then warm it up while you are making the porridge.
The therapeutic benefits of stewed apples has been well researched. They can heal, repair and maintain the mucosal lining of the gut. It is the flavonoids in the stewed apples that reduces inflammation and protects intestinal tissue from damage.
Also the ratio of different micro-organisms in the gut changes with regular cooked apple consumption to favour mucosal immune tolerance and weight loss.
Finally, stewed apples increase the production of short chain fatty acids which helps to activate the immune system.
Leave aside 1 chopped apple to garnish. Place remaining chopped apples in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil and simmer until soft – about 10-15 mins. Drain the cooked apples and place in a blender. Blend until smooth.
In the meantime, place oats, milk, chia, maple syrup, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 mins. Turn off heat and stir in the flaxseed and raisins.
Pour the porridge into bowls and top with the applesauce, chopped apple, extra raisins and flaked almonds. Serve.
