Apricot Sunrise: A Zesty Start to Your Day
Tired of the same old breakfast routine? Are you ready to ditch the boring and embrace a burst of flavor and nutrition to kick off your day? Look no further, my friend, because this raw apricot and buckwheat 'porridge' is about to revolutionize your mornings!
I get it – mornings can be chaotic, and sometimes creativity takes a backseat to the snooze button. That's why this recipe is a game-changer. It's not only incredibly quick and easy to prepare, but it's also packed with goodness to fuel your body and mind.
Think of it as a summer sunrise in a bowl: the sweet tang of ripe apricots, the satisfying crunch of soaked buckwheat, and the warmth of spices all mingling together. This is a breakfast that’s both indulgent and incredibly good for you. Forget the sugary cereals and heavy pastries, this is a guilt-free way to treat yourself.
This dish is naturally sweet from the apricots and banana, so you won't find any added sugar here. It's also entirely plant-based, making it a great option for vegans or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based foods into their diet. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, catering to a wider range of dietary needs.
Recipe for a Radiant Morning
Yields: 2-3 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 0 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw buckwheat, soaked overnight
- 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
- 4 ripe apricots, chopped
- 1 frozen banana, chopped
- 80-100 ml almond milk (or other plant milk)
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ vanilla pod, seeds scraped
- Handful of chopped pistachios (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Soak the Buckwheat: The night before, place the buckwheat in a bowl, cover with water, and add the lemon or lime juice. In the morning, drain well and rinse thoroughly.
- Apricot Puree: Add the chopped apricots to a blender and blend until smooth, or leave a few small chunks for texture. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Buckwheat Smoothie: Add the frozen banana, 2/3 of the soaked and rinsed buckwheat, and the almond milk to the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Stir in the cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla seeds. Add the remaining 1/3 buckwheat to the mix and gently fold in with a spoon to maintain some texture.
- Assemble: Spoon the blended apricot puree into glasses or bowls, swirling it around the edges. Pour the buckwheat mixture into the center. Garnish with chopped pistachios and a sprig of mint, if you're feeling fancy.
Notes:
- For extra crunch, keep some of the buckwheat whole and mix it in at the end rather than blending it all.
- Feel free to adapt with other nuts, seeds or fruits.
Benefits of Buckwheat and Apricots
- Buckwheat: despite its name is not wheat! It is a nutrient-packed seed, a good source of fibre and minerals. It's also a great source of protein, particularly useful for those on a plant-based diet.
- Apricots: these are full of antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and they are also a natural source of sweetness which is great for reducing the urge to add processed sugar.
Time To Ditch the Breakfast Rut!
This raw apricot and buckwheat 'porridge' is more than just a meal, it's a celebration of flavors and textures that will have you excited for your mornings. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly versatile, and bursting with nutrients, making it the ideal breakfast for the modern, health-conscious individual. So why wait? Embrace the sunshine in a bowl and start your day the right way!
What are you waiting for? Give it a go and let me know how you get on!