As the mornings grow crisper and the leaves begin to turn, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a warm bowl of comfort to start the day. That’s when I turned to my go-to recipe for Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge with Tahini—a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a sumptuous breakfast experience. The first spoonful releases a nutty aroma, melding perfectly with the sweet hints of pumpkin, making it a hug in a bowl on chilly mornings.
When I first crafted this recipe, I wanted to create something nourishing yet comforting, perfect for those days when fast food just won’t cut it. Packed with wholesome grains, creamy tahini, and vibrant spinach, this porridge is not only vegan and gluten-free, but it also offers a unique twist on traditional breakfast options. Whether for a busy weekday or a leisurely weekend brunch, this porridge brings warmth and wellness to your table, effortlessly merging indulgence with health. Join me in savoring each delightful bite of this hearty meal that promises to kickstart your day on a nourishing note!
Why is Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge with Tahini special?
Hearty Comfort: Start your day with a creamy, warm bowl that’s like a hug in every spoonful.
Nutritious Powerhouse: Packed with wholesome grains, healthy fats, and leafy greens for a nutrient boost.
Vegan and Gluten-Free: Deliciously accommodating for various dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can partake in this cozy breakfast.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy mornings, with minimal prep and a short cook time.
Unique Flavor Fusion: The nutty tahini blends beautifully with sweet pumpkin, creating a balanced taste that sets it apart from ordinary oatmeal.
Versatile Delight: Customize with toppings or mix-ins, making it a dish you’ll want to repeat in many forms.
Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge Ingredients
For the Base
• Brown Rice – Base grain providing chewiness and fiber; soaking is recommended for easier cooking.
• Rolled Oats – Adds creaminess and extra fiber; can substitute with quick oats for faster cooking.
• Millet – Imparts a nutty flavor and texture; quinoa can be a good alternative.
• Pumpkin Puree – Adds sweetness and a creamy consistency; use fresh pumpkin or canned for convenience.
• Plant-Based Milk – Creates a creamy porridge base; for non-vegan, substitute with bone broth for added protein.
For the Flavor
• Tahini – Provides a creamy, nutty flavor while enriching the dish with healthy fats; almond butter can be used as a substitute.
• Spinach – Offers a nutritional boost with vitamins; kale or Swiss chard can be used instead.
• Sea Salt – Enhances flavor; adjust according to taste preference.
For Topping
• Additional Tahini – Used for topping to enhance flavor and richness; can be omitted or replaced with yogurt for a creamier texture.
• Warm Water – Thins tahini for a better topping consistency.
• Soy Sauce – For a hint of umami in the topping; tamari can be used for gluten-free option.
• Mixed Nuts – Adds crunch and protein on top; substitute with seeds for a nut-free version.
Embrace the delightful combination of flavors and textures with this Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge with Tahini—it’s comfort food your taste buds will thank you for!
How to Make Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge with Tahini
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Soak the brown rice overnight for a tender texture. This step is optional if you plan to use a rice cooker, but soaking does improve the final dish.
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Combine soaked brown rice, rolled oats, millet, pumpkin puree, plant-based milk, and 4 tablespoons of tahini in a medium pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture reaches a beautiful porridge consistency — about 15-20 minutes.
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Season the porridge with sea salt or your choice of spices. Taste and adjust to enhance the comforting flavors, keeping it balanced and satisfying.
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Mix the remaining tahini with warm water and soy sauce in a separate bowl to create a delightful topping. This will add a creamy layer that’s irresistible!
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Stir in fresh spinach into the porridge and cook for an additional minute. The spinach will wilt down, adding a vibrant green color and a nutritional boost.
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Serve the porridge warm, topped with the tahini mixture and a sprinkle of mixed nuts for crunch. Enjoy this nourishing breakfast that’s bursting with flavors!
Optional: Drizzle with a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweet finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge with Tahini
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the flavors intact while ensuring the porridge remains easily accessible for quick breakfast options.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the porridge in individual portions for up to 2 months. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers and leave space for expansion to maintain quality.
Reheating: Reheat refrigerated or frozen servings in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of plant-based milk for creaminess. Stir frequently for even warming, making it just as delightful as when freshly made.
Thawing: If frozen, transfer the desired portion to the fridge overnight to thaw before reheating, ensuring a smooth texture for your Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge with Tahini.
What to Serve with Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge with Tahini?
As you cozy up to your warm bowl of porridge, consider these delightful pairings to create a complete and nourishing breakfast experience.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast, enhancing the porridge’s warmth with cooling sweetness.
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Crispy Toast: Serve with crispy whole-grain toast topped with smashed avocados or nut butter for added textures and healthy fats.
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Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of homemade granola introduces a satisfying crunch and additional flavors, perfect for complementing the creamy porridge.
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Herbal Tea: A cup of soothing herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, offers a calming balance, making your breakfast feel like a pampering ritual. How about a citrus-infused version for an extra zing?
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Cinnamon Baked Apples: The spiced sweetness of baked apples creates a comforting finish, pairing beautifully with the nuttiness of tahini and pumpkin. These can be prepped in advance for a quick addition!
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Almond Milk Latte: An almond milk latte crafted with a sprinkle of cinnamon can provide a creamy beverage that harmonizes with the warming flavors of your porridge. It’s a delightful way to elevate your morning!
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Greek Yogurt: For a protein boost, a dollop of creamy vegan yogurt on top adds richness and balances with the porridge’s texture, making it feel indulgent!
With these pairings, you’ll turn your Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge into a truly delightful breakfast feast!
Make Ahead Options
These Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge with Tahini are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can soak the brown rice up to 24 hours in advance to achieve a softer texture, reducing overall cooking time. Additionally, you can mix the dry ingredients (rolled oats, millet, and spices) and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, just combine the soaked rice with the dry mixture, pumpkin puree, and plant-based milk in a pot. Cook as directed, stirring to maintain creaminess. To ensure the porridge stays fresh, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk for a deliciously ready-to-eat breakfast!
Expert Tips for Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge
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Soaking Grains: Soak brown rice overnight to enhance its texture and cut down on cooking time. This ensures a softer, more delicate porridge.
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Adjust Consistency: The liquid amount is key; feel free to add extra plant-based milk if your porridge is too thick, achieving the perfect creamy balance.
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Taste Before Serving: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving the Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge. It’s essential to ensure the flavors are well-balanced and satisfying.
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Healthy Toppings: Don’t be shy with toppings! A drizzle of extra tahini or a sprinkle of mixed nuts adds delightful texture and nutrition, enhancing this comfort food.
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Make-Ahead Option: Prepare a larger batch and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of milk for a quick breakfast during busy mornings.
Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge Variations
Feel free to explore these exciting variations that add a personal touch to your porridge experience!
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Sweeter Addition: Drizzle maple syrup or honey before serving for a delightful sweetness. A simple touch that can make the porridge feel even more indulgent.
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Fruity Burst: Fold in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to the mix. Their chewy texture complements the creamy porridge, introducing new flavors with every spoonful.
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Protein-Packed Swap: Replace all grains with quinoa for an extra protein boost. Quinoa’s nutty undertones will harmonize beautifully with the pumpkin and tahini.
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Nutty Surprise: Add a tablespoon of nut butter such as almond or peanut for enhanced creaminess and flavor. This twist gives the porridge a rich depth while increasing its healthy fat content.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a surprising hint of heat. The warmth from the spices contrasts beautifully with the savory and sweet elements.
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Coconut Creaminess: Substitute regular plant-based milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist. It will bring a heightened creaminess and a subtle coconut flavor that enhances the overall dish.
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Seed Power: Sprinkle with chia seeds or hemp seeds for added nutrients and texture. These tiny powerhouses not only boost nutrition, but they also add a delightful crunch.
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Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro at the end for an unexpected twist. The brightness from the herbs elevates the dish, making it vibrant and refreshing.
Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge with Tahini Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pumpkin puree for my porridge?
Absolutely! For the best results, look for 100% pure pumpkin puree with no added sugars or spices. You can use homemade puree made from fresh pumpkin, which I often prefer for its depth of flavor, especially during fall. If you’re using canned, check for a brand that specifies “pure pumpkin” on the label—avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugars and spices that can alter your recipe.
How should I store the leftovers of my Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge?
To keep your delicious porridge fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend adding a splash of plant-based milk when reheating to bring back the creaminess. This method allows for a quick breakfast you can enjoy throughout the week without losing quality.
Can I freeze my Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge with Tahini?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the porridge cool completely before dividing it into individual, freezer-safe containers. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stove with a splash of plant-based milk until warmed through.
What should I do if my porridge comes out too thick?
No worries! If you find your porridge too thick, you can add more plant-based milk or water gradually over low heat while stirring until it reaches your desired consistency. This method not only adjusts the thickness but can also enhance flavor if you use flavored plant-based milk.
Is this Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge safe for my pet?
It’s wonderful to share meals with our furry friends, but the ingredients in this porridge are generally not suitable for pets. Avoid giving them anything with tahini or soy sauce, as they can be harmful to dogs and cats. Always consult your vet before introducing new foods to your pet’s diet!
What are some popular toppings for the porridge?
The more the merrier! Popular toppings include a drizzle of extra tahini, a sprinkle of mixed nuts for crunch, fresh fruits like banana or berries, and a dash of cinnamon for added warmth. Depending on your preference, you could also use a bit of maple syrup or honey to enhance sweetness, which can elevate the comfort food factor significantly!
Creamy Multigrain Pumpkin Porridge with Tahini Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soak the brown rice overnight for a tender texture. This step is optional if you plan to use a rice cooker.
- Combine soaked brown rice, rolled oats, millet, pumpkin puree, plant-based milk, and tahini in a medium pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture reaches a beautiful porridge consistency — about 15-20 minutes.
- Season the porridge with sea salt or your choice of spices. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Mix the remaining tahini with warm water and soy sauce in a separate bowl to create a topping.
- Stir in fresh spinach into the porridge and cook for an additional minute.
- Serve warm, topped with the tahini mixture and mixed nuts.