Barley Porridge with Sea Buckthorn Sauce, Berries, and Cinnamon

This delightful barley porridge brings together a blend of robust flavors and comforting textures, perfect for a cozy morning. Made with nutritious whole-grain barley flakes and creamy rice milk, this dish is a wholesome start to the day. The addition of fresh sea buckthorn sauce provides a vibrant, tangy contrast to the sweetness of honey and brown sugar. Fresh or frozen blueberries or blackberries offer a burst of juiciness and color, making this porridge not only tasty but visually appealing too. A touch of cinnamon ties everything together with its warm, aromatic note. For added complexity, the porridge is topped with fresh or dried plums, providing a chewiness that contrasts the creamy consistency of the porridge. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also rich in vitamins and minerals, ensuring you start your day on the right note. Whether served as a hearty breakfast or a light dessert, this barley porridge is sure to impress. Enjoy it warm and savor each comforting spoonful.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup whole-grain barley flakes
• 1.5 cups rice milk
• 150 ml water

Fruits and Sweeteners:

• 2 handfuls sea buckthorn
• 2.5 tbsp brown sugar
• 4 tbsp honey
• 1 handful fresh or frozen blueberries or blackberries
• 1 fresh or 3 dried plums

Spices:

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preparation Time

Total Time: 20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Sea Buckthorn Sauce: In a saucepan, combine sea buckthorn, a little water, brown sugar, and honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reduces slightly.
2. Blend and Strain: Once the sauce is ready, blend it thoroughly and strain it through a fine sieve to remove any seeds, setting it aside to cool slightly.
3. Cook the Porridge: In a separate saucepan, bring the rice milk to a gentle boil. Stir in the barley flakes, letting them cook for 2-3 minutes. Cover the saucepan with a lid, allowing the porridge to thicken and absorb the liquid.
4. Assemble the Dish: Once the porridge is cooked to your desired thickness, transfer it into serving bowls. Pour the sea buckthorn sauce generously over the porridge.
5. Add Toppings: Arrange slices of fresh or dried plums on top, along with a scattering of blueberries or blackberries to add a touch of sweetness and freshness.
6. Finish with Cinnamon: Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top of each serving to enhance the flavors with its warm spicy notes.

Tips

• Substitution: If rice milk is unavailable, almond or oat milk can be used as substitutes.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey and sugar to match your sweetness preference.
• Preservation: Sea buckthorn sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated.

Nutrition

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Protein: 4g
• Fats: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 55g

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free oats instead of barley for those with gluten intolerance.
• Vegan Option: Ensure that the honey is replaced with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect Pair: Serve with a side of fresh orange juice for a refreshing contrast.
• Garnish: Top with a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added crunch.

Best Places

1. The Breakfast Club - A cozy café known for its comforting breakfast dishes. Location: 33 D'Arblay Street, London, UK.
2. Blueberry Cafe - Specializing in innovative berry dishes and drinks. Location: 20 Kerrydale Drive, Wellington, New Zealand.
3. Cinnamon Delight - Famous for its cinnamon-spiced bakery delights. Location: 56 Canal Street, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
4. Honey & Spice - Celebrated for its honey-infused delicacies. Location: 52 Middle Street, New York, USA.
5. The Grainary - Offers a wide variety of grains-based breakfast options. Location: 14 Market Road, Sydney, Australia.
6. Berrylicious Bites - Focuses on fresh berry ingredients in all dishes. Location: 10 King Street, Toronto, Canada.
7. Plum Tree Café - Features seasonal fruit dishes in a rustic setting. Location: 25 Orchard Road, Singapore, Singapore.
8. Oat & Co. - Known for its diverse oatmeal porridge offerings. Location: 78 Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand.
9. Sweet Haven - Offers a variety of sweet breakfast options. Location: 12 Sweet Lane, Dublin, Ireland.
10. The Gourmet Barista - Combines gourmet coffee with artisanal breakfast dishes. Location: 90 Collins Avenue, Miami, USA.