Vegan Coconut Porridge With Fig And Blueberries

GLUTEN FREE II DAIRY FREE II SOY FREE II VEGAN II SESAME FREE II FISH FREE II NIGHTSHADE FREE II SHELLFISH FREE

Nothing beats a cosy bowl of vegan coconut porridge on a crisp autumn morning. This healthy coconut porridge recipe is quick to make, ready in just 15 minutes, and perfect for starting your day.

My take on the best porridge brings something a little different to the table. There’s a simple method I use that boosts the flavour of classic oats, inspired by the way my mother made her Indian porridge. The aroma always filled our home, creating special memories I still hold close.

This vegan coconut porridge recipe adds a personal touch to her version, with creamy coconut milk and a stunning fig and blueberry compote. It’s a wholesome, healthy porridge you can enjoy any day of the week. Give it a try and experience the warmth and comfort of my family's favourite.

Notes on ingredients for vegan coconut porridge

Oats

Oats on their own are naturally gluten-free. They don’t carry the gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, or rye, which cause problems for people with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. The confusion comes from how oats often end up mixed with gluten grains during processing. Many manufacturing plants handle oats on the same equipment as wheat or barley, so cross-contamination can easily happen. To stay safe, especially if you have coeliac disease, always pick oats labelled gluten-free.

For this easy vegan coconut porridge recipe, I used rolled oats as the base. They soak up the flavour of the coconut milk for a creamy texture, making this coconut milk porridge rich and filling. If you want a reliable plant-based coconut porridge, look out for trusted British porridge oat brands in your local shop, such as:

• Scott’s porridge oats

• Flahavan's organic porridge oats

• Quaker oats porridge

Sweetener

I used honey in my porridge with coconut milk. If you follow a vegan diet, swap it out and try maple syrup or agave nectar instead. Both options keep your coconut breakfast bowl sweet and completely plant-based. Other sweeteners to consider:

• Coconut blossom syrup

• Coconut sugar

• Date syrup

Milk

I like using Rude Health or Plenish milk because they have fewer unwanted ingredients, such as gums or additives. I usually go for the barista versions since they handle heat better, so they do not curdle or split in hot drinks. For easy dairy-free breakfast ideas, these options work well. You can even make a healthy vegan breakfast with coconut milk for a creamy texture and natural sweetness.

Figs/blueberries

For this easy vegan porridge recipe, stick with fresh figs instead of dried ones. Fresh figs soften as they cook, blending into a lovely compote that adds natural sweetness. Frozen blueberries work well, too, and if you can get wild blueberries, use them for the best results. Wild blueberries have more antioxidants, fibre, and plant nutrients like anthocyanins, which help fight inflammation. These nutritional benefits make them stand out from regular, farm-grown blueberries.

This coconut milk porridge comes together smoothly with these fruit toppings. Each bite is creamy, flavourful, and packed with nutrition.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is a perfect choice for this gluten-free coconut porridge. Stick with virgin and cold-pressed coconut oils, as they usually keep more nutrients. Skip the odourless kind, since a rich coconut flavour adds so much to your homemade porridge. You’ll love the extra taste it brings to this breakfast.

Ingredients

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Coconut Porridge

• Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free suitable for special diets

• Naturally creamy from coconut milk, no dairy needed

• Customisable with your favourite toppings

• A healthy and filling breakfast option that feels like a warm hug

• Ready in under 15 minutes

• It looks so pretty with the vibrant colours from the fruit compote

• Easy dairy-free breakfast ideas don’t come better than this creamy coconut porridge

Tips for the Best Coconut Porridge

• Meal prep by making a batch ahead and reheating with a splash of plant-based milk.

• Swap oats for quinoa or buckwheat if you need a grain-free option.

• I roast the oats first with a bit of coconut oil. It really enhances the flavour and makes your kitchen smell like you're baking flapjacks.

• Simmer the milk. Do not leave it on a fast boil.

• Keep stirring the oats when you add the coconut oil so they don’t burn. This only takes 5 minutes.

• You could also use different kinds of milk too, rude health does excellent hazelnut milk, which you could add cacao to the porridge and serve with a couple of squares of Ombar chocolate ( or just dark chocolate) nuts and fruit for a really decadent-tasting breakfast.

Best toppings for coconut porridge

I enjoy making this easy vegan porridge because you can switch up the flavours any way you like. My healthy coconut porridge always comes out creamy, while still being a completely dairy-free porridge. Try mixing in your favourite toppings or create try these combinations for breakfast:

• Spices: like cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg for warmth.

• Nuts: like pecans, almonds or hazelnuts for texture or nut butters or tahini for an extra boost in protein

• Seeds: sunflower, pumpkin or chia seeds for extra fibre, also try tahini which is sesame seed paste

• Fresh Fruit: Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), bananas, sliced apples, pears, figs, or peaches. 

• Dried Fruit: Raisins, sultanas, dates, or cranberries add sweetness and chewiness. 

• Stewed or Cooked Fruit: Prepare apples, plums, pears or other fruits with a pinch of sugar or spices to create a warm, comforting topping. Try my delicious applesauce recipe.

• Yoghurt: A dollop of Greek yoghurt provides a protein boost and a tangy contrast

• Chocolate: Cacao nibs or a square of dark chocolate can add a touch of indulgence

• Flavour Combinations:

  Mix and match toppings to create different flavour profiles, such as banana and almond butter with cinnamon, or pear and toasted almonds. Chocolate and orange porridge, chocolate porridge made with hazelnut milk.

FAQ’s for homemade plant-based coconut porridge

Can I use canned coconut milk instead of carton?

• Yes, canned coconut milk works well and gives a richer taste. For a lighter texture, mix the canned milk with water as using just tinned coconut milk will make it very rich and heavy.

Is coconut porridge healthy?

• Yes! This vegan coconut porridge is packed with fibre, healthy fats, and plant-based nutrients perfect for a balanced breakfast.

How do I store leftover coconut porridge?

• Cool leftovers, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Add a little extra milk or water when reheating.

What oats are best to use for porridge?

When it comes to making a warm and comforting bowl of porridge, there are a few different types of oats to choose from. Rolled oats, also known as old-fashioned oats, are the most common variety for porridge. They have a slightly chewy texture and cook relatively quickly. Heres an explanation of some other varieties of oats and what they are used for in cooking.

• Oat Groats:

The least processed form, groats are whole oat kernels with the hull removed. They retain a nutty, chewy texture and are used in pilafs, grain salads.

• Steel-Cut Oats (Irish Oats):

  Groats that have been chopped into small pieces with a steel blade. They have a dense, chewy texture and require a longer cooking time (around 20-30 minutes), making them ideal for hearty porridge, risotto, or as a thickener. 

• Rolled Oats (Old-Fashioned Oats):

  Groats that are steamed and then flattened by rollers into flakes. They cook faster than steel-cut oats (about 5 minutes) and are highly versatile for porridge, granola, cookies, muffins, and bread. 

• Quick Oats:

  Thinner versions of rolled oats that are also cut into smaller pieces. They cook in about one minute on the stove or in the microwave, offering a mushier texture than rolled oats. 

• Instant Oats:

  The most processed type, these are pre-cooked, dried, and rolled very thin. They cook rapidly with just hot water or milk, are convenient for on-the-go breakfasts, and can be added to smoothies for thickness. 

• Oat Flour:

  Made by grinding oats into a fine powder. It is used as a thickening agent in soups, sauces, and gravies, or as a gluten-free alternative in baking, though it absorbs more moisture than wheat flour. 

• Scottish Oats:

  Stone-ground oat groats, resulting in a fine meal rather than flakes or pieces. They produce a creamy texture for porridge, can be used in scones, and act as a thickening agent. 

• Oat Bran:

  The fibrous outer layer of the oat groat. It's eaten as a cereal or added to recipes to boost fibre content.

1 portion - 15 mins cook & prep time

Step by step

Recipe

• 70 g oats (gluten-free if needed)

• 15 g coconut oil

• 265 ml milk (plant-based if vegan)

• 9 g honey ( I would advise tasting the porridge first and then adding as much sweetener as you need.)

Blueberry compote

• 50 g blueberries ( frozen is fine)

• 1 tsp honey/agave

Toppings

• figs

• 1 banana

• a few blackberries

• chopped almonds

Method

1. Add coconut oil to a saucepan on medium heat, and add half of the oats and cook till golden brown.

2. Add the remaining oats and the milk and reduce the heat to low, cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Meanwhile, add the blueberries and honey with a splash of water to a saucepan over low to medium heat, cover it, and cook for 5 minutes until the blueberries have burst and softened. (This can be done ahead of time and stored in the fridge, or prepared in the microwave if you prefer.)

4. After 10 minutes the porridge should be beautifully creamy, taste and adjust the sweetness by adding a sweetener of your choice.

5. Transfer to a bowl and add the toppings and the blueberry compote and enjoy!

Loved this vegan coconut porridge recipe? Don’t forget to save it for later or share it with friends. Let me know what you think of this recipe in the comments, or maybe you have some creative porridge toppings you would like to suggest? Share away!

Other similar recipes

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