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The Perfect Recipe for Breakfast Porridge
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When was the last time you found a recipe that works no matter what season you’re in? That’s the magic of porridge. This version starts with wild rice as the base. Add a splash of almond milk, a swirl of honey, and whatever fresh toppings are available that week. Boom—you’ve got breakfast handled.
Here’s the kicker: wild rice grown in California is available year-round. That means this porridge isn’t just cozy in winter—it’s also refreshing in spring, flexible in summer, and downright essential in fall. The toppings change with the seasons, but the always-in-season base never lets you down.
Why Wild Rice is a Game-Changer
Let’s set the record straight. Wild rice is not rice at all. It’s actually the seed of a semi-aquatic grass. How cool is that? Farmers in California have mastered cultivating it, transforming this “wild” ingredient into a staple that shows up reliably in your kitchen.
A few wild rice facts that might blow your mind:
- It’s high in protein, gluten-free, and loaded with antioxidants.
- California produces more than 95% of the wild rice grown in the United States.
- The grain has a nutty taste, a chewy bite, and a nutrient profile that puts regular rice to shame.
So when you eat a bowl of porridge made with wild rice, you’re not just eating breakfast. You’re fueling your body for the day ahead.
Always in Season, Always in Style
You know what’s frustrating about some recipes? They only make sense for one moment in the year. Pumpkin pie screams Thanksgiving. Fresh strawberry shortcake is best in May or June. But porridge? With wild rice as the anchor, you can dress it up however the calendar dictates.
Think about it like this:
- Winter → Warm baked apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and toasted walnuts.
- Spring → Citrus supremes and honey for a light, bright lift.
- Summer → Fresh berries or stone fruit. Maybe a few pistachios on top.
- Fall → Dried or fresh figs, raisins, or prunes, stirred in with a drizzle of honey.
See the pattern? This recipe adapts. It bends. It shifts gears. But it never goes out of season. Here is another always-in-season recipe we think you are going to love!
Nutty Overnight Oats
Looking for the best overnight oats recipe to fuel your mornings? This nutty overnight oats recipe is the perfect make-ahead breakfast packed with flavor, texture, and a little sweetness to kickstart your day.
A Bowl That Works Harder Than You Do
This is not the kind of breakfast that leaves you hungry an hour later. Wild rice porridge sticks with you. The chewy kernels offer texture. The almond milk keeps it creamy. The dried fruit brings natural sweetness. The nuts give crunch.
It’s like a well-balanced team, each player showing up with something different. No wonder porridge has been around for centuries. It’s breakfast that knows how to hustle.
Why This Breakfast is Worth Putting on Repeat
Porridge isn’t flashy. It won’t trend on TikTok every other week. But it has something better: staying power. It’s warm when you need comfort. Fresh when you need energy, and versatile when you’re cleaning out the pantry.
Here’s the thing: building habits is easier when the food tastes good and makes you feel good. Porridge with wild rice checks both boxes.
How to Switch Things Up Without Getting Bored
Let’s be real. Even the best recipes can get old if you don’t change them up. That’s where toppings come in. Want some inspo?
- For a nutty vibe → Add roasted almonds, pecans, or pistachios.
- For sweetness → Toss in dried figs, raisins, or chopped prunes.
- For brightness → Use fresh citrus slices or zest.
- For indulgence → A spoonful of nut butter or a splash of cream.
Mix and match until you find your groove.
Why CA GROWN Matters
Every time you choose ingredients grown in the Golden State, you’re doing more than feeding yourself. You’re supporting local farmers, sustainable practices, and a food system that prioritizes quality.
At the end of the day, porridge with wild rice is more than a recipe. It’s a year-round invitation to eat well, stay grounded, and celebrate what’s grown right here in California. Whether you top it with summer peaches or winter citrus, it never misses. The best part? It’s always in season. Always ready. Always there when you need it. So the only real question is—what toppings are you going to choose today?
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Breakfast Porridge with Wild Rice and Dried Fruit
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 cups almond milk
- ½ cup dried figs raisins, or prunes, plus more for serving
- 1 TBSP honey
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
Toppings
- almond milk for drizzling
- seasonal fresh fruit see notes
- honey for additional sweetness
- toasted nuts almonds, walnuts, or pistachios
- dried fruit dried figs, raisins, prunes, dried apricots
Instructions
- Wash and clean wild rice thoroughly before cooking.
- In a saucepan, cover the rice with 4 cups (945 ml) of water, add salt, and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring gently. Once the water is bubbling, immediately cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 40-45 minutes. It is done when the grains burst open.
- Drain the excess water from the rice in a fine-mesh strainer. Add almond milk, dried fruit, honey, and vanilla bean paste to a large skillet, followed by the strained rice. Stir gently to combine. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to low, so the rice is barely bubbling. Cover loosely and simmer for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. When most of the almond milk has been absorbed, remove from the heat.
- Scoop the porridge into bowls. Top with additional almond milk, if desired, and fresh or dried fruit and toasted nuts.
Notes
Seasonal toppings:
Late summer/early fall – fresh figs, golden raisins, sliced almonds, lemon zest. Late fall/early winter – apple pie filling, dried figs, walnuts Late winter/early spring – citrus segments, pistachios, dried apricots Late spring/early summer – mixed berries, slivered almondsNutrition
Looking for More Ways to Enjoy Wild Rice, We Have You Covered
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Pistachio Wild Rice Pudding
This easy recipe for rice pudding is made with creamy homemade pistachio milk and wild rice. Free of refined sugars, this rice pudding has a flavor profile that is pleasantly nutty and rich without being cloyingly sweet! Because this recipe is perfect for breakfast or dessert, this protein packed, plant-based rice pudding is the perfect addition to your next meal prep menu. Did we mention, that this is the perfect canvas for ripe raspberries!
Collard Green and Wild Rice Soup with Mushrooms
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