Coconut Quinoa Porridge with Banana & Black Sesame Seeds

Winter is here. It's a dividing topic and one that we really don't have much choice about. How do you feel about the onset of winter? I know for some, it can really draw you down. Are you excited the for the prospect of cosy doona-clad snuggles? Of brisk walks in the dewy dawn? Or are you in the camp that begrudgingly drags themselves around in a fog, a cloud hanging above their head as foreboding as the grey clouds above?

I'm telling you now, if you fall into group B this is your opportunity to set a positive intention for the 3 months ahead, because who wants 3 months of misery? A saying that is very prominent in my CTC practise speaks volumes in this instance: "If you change the way you look at things, the very things you look at change" and this is oh true of winter. Look at it as a positive opportunity to achieve something, to read those books that've been collecting dust, to do the online course you've been putting off, to having friends around for long lazy lunches on the weekend. It's time to change your perception of winter and it's time to do it right now.

So, with that thought it mind I'm setting you up for winter days filled with nourishment. Healthy body = healthy mindset. Start your day with warming goodness and you'll be walking around like the giant warm fuzzy you know you want to be :)

This porridge recipe has been lifted straight from the pages of A Nourishing Morning. It's just one of 75 amazing recipes. That's right, there are SEVENTY FOUR other scrumptious dishes, almost one for every day of winter! A Nourishing Morning is entirely refined sugar and gluten free, vegan and vegetarian friendly, and comes complete with a handy table that instructs you exactly how to substitute eggs in baking.

Note: This porridge can be easily reheated, so don't be afraid to double or triple the recipe. It will keep well in the fridge. If you do choose to reheat it on the stove, you'll just need to add a little extra liquid as you go. 

Serves 2 

You will need:
1 banana, mashed
1 cup coconut milk, fresh or canned
1 cup water
2/3 cup quinoa, uncooked
2 vanilla beans, seeded
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
Pinch sea salt

Rinse the quinoa well under running water. Add quinoa, coconut milk, water, chia seeds, seeds of the vanilla beans and salt to a medium saucepan. Bring to the boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer lid on for 10-12 minutes or until the quinoa has a slight chew. Remove from heat and allow to stand for 2 minutes, lid on. Stir through the mashed banana and sesame seeds. Divide into two bowls, serve immediately.

Winter Poached Pears (pictured below) would garnish the porridge so amazingly. 

Are you struggling with the onset of winter? How can we help? More winter recipes? Handy winter wellness tips? What do you need as the seasons change?