Indian Masala porridge oats

Serves 2

Ingredients:

● 2 cups rolled oats

● 2 tsp light olive oil

● 1-2 green chillies, very finely chopped

● 1 onion, finely chopped

● 1 ripe tomato, finely chopped

● salt to taste

● 1 tsp chilli powder, or to taste

● a large pinch of turmeric powder

● 1 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves Method:

In a heavy based saucepan, heat the light olive oil and add the cumin seeds. Let them darken slightly before adding the finely chopped onions along with the very finely chopped green chillies. Sauté until the onions become translucent and are just beginning to colour. Add the finely chopped tomato and cook covered on low heat until the tomato has just begun to disintegrate. At this point add the rolled oats, chilli powder, turmeric and salt to taste. Stir then add about 2-3 cups of boiling water. Stir vigorously so that lumps are not formed. Add more water if you find the porridge too thick. Cook on a low heat, stirring occasionally to stop the porridge from sticking. Check to see if the oats are cooked then serve in deep bowls, garnished with the fresh coriander leaves.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

● 1 cup fine cornmeal

● 1 cup coconut milk

● 1 cup wholemilk

● 4 cups boiling water

● 1 cup condensed milk

● ½ tsp ground nutmeg

● 1 tsp vanilla extract

● ½ tsp ground cinnamon

● pinch of salt to taste

● ¼ cup brown sugar or to taste

Method:

In a glass bowl mix together the fine cornmeal, coconut milk and wholemilk until you get a nice smooth mixture. Then in a large heavy based saucepan heat up 4 cups of water to boiling point. Add the cornmeal mixture into the boiling water and stir vigorously so that no lumps are formed. Turn down the heat to medium and allow the mixture to thicken, stirring occasionally so that the porridge doesn't stick to the pan. Once the porridge has become thick and bubbling lower the heat and add the condensed milk and whisk together. This will help aerate the porridge and mix the condensed milk. Let it cook on a low heat for a minute and then add the ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, pinch of salt and the brown sugar. Whisk to mix everything. Serve.