Spice Up Your Morning: A Vegan Quince & Oat Adventure
Hello fellow food adventurers! Have you ever stumbled upon a fruit so intriguing, so mysteriously beautiful, that you simply had to try it? That was me with quince. These vibrant yellow nuggets, with their unique perfumed aroma, had me hooked from the moment I saw them at my local market.
Like many of you, I'm always on the lookout for exciting ways to spice up my breakfast, especially as the seasons change and our beloved summer fruits bid adieu. That’s when it struck me – why not try poaching these quirky quinces and pair them with a warm, comforting bowl of porridge?
From Skeptic to Believer
My partner, a man of simpler tastes, was rather skeptical as he watched me wrestling with these rock-hard fruits. But the enchanting aroma that filled the kitchen as they simmered, a sweet and spicy perfume, eventually lured him in. He went from skeptic to a die-hard quince fan with just one bite!
The magic of poaching quince is in the process – it transforms these hard fruits into tender, jewel-toned delights, with a gorgeous pink hue, that can brighten even the dullest morning. So, put on your favourite music, grab your apron, and let's get to it!
The Recipe for a Perfect Morning
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can use any plant milk, throw in your favorite nuts and seeds and adjust the sweetness to your liking. It's all about making it your own perfect start to the day.
Yields: 2 servings of porridge and 10 servings of spiced quince
Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
For the Spiced Quince:
- 3 large quinces (about 1.2 kg)
- 1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped (and the pod, don't throw it away)
- 1 star anise
- 1 quill of cinnamon
- 2 cloves
- 1 whole allspice
- A large strip of lemon peel
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (add more if you like it sweeter)
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
For the Porridge:
- 100g jumbo rolled oats (use gluten-free for a gluten-free option)
- Any plant-based milk (or thinned full-fat coconut milk)
- A handful of chopped nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- Seeds from 1/2 pomegranate (optional, for a pop of color and flavor)
- Maple or agave syrup, to serve (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions:
Let's start with the Spiced Quince:
- Prepare: Fill a large bowl with water and add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Peel the quinces, cut them in half, remove the cores, and then cut each half into four pieces. Place the prepared quince in the lemon water to prevent browning.
- Simmer: Place the cut-up quince in a large pot with about 2 cups of water, all the spices, the vanilla seeds and pod, and the sugar. Gently bring to a boil.
- Cook: Reduce the heat to very low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the quince is soft and has turned a beautiful pink hue. It’s important to cook it very gently to get that lovely color. Leave the lid slightly ajar to allow some steam to escape.
- Syrup: Once the quince is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Turn the heat up slightly and gently simmer the remaining liquid to thicken into a syrup.
Next, the Creamy Porridge:
- Cook the Oats: Put the oats in a pan and cover them with plant milk. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. As the oats absorb the milk, add more as needed.
- Texture: Continue adding milk until you reach your desired consistency. I like mine a bit textured, but you can make it creamier if you prefer.
- Finish: Once you’ve added all the milk, let the porridge cook gently for another minute or two until it bubbles a little.
- Serve: Serve the porridge warm topped with a generous portion of the warm poached quince and syrup, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, pomegranate seeds, and a dusting of cinnamon. A drizzle of maple or agave syrup is the final flourish.
A Healthy and Heartwarming Start
This dish is more than just a breakfast; it's a celebration of autumn's bounty. It's warm, comforting, healthy, and a guaranteed way to put a smile on your face. The combination of the sweet and tangy quince with creamy oats is simply divine, making it a perfect way to start your day. I am certain that this recipe will not disappoint. Enjoy!