Easy Pear Walnut and Ginger Oatmeal Porridge

My Pear Walnut and Ginger Oatmeal is an amazing way to start the day. With natural flavours and no refined sugars, it’s good for you, but it tastes like a real treat! It’s perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast but it comes together quickly enough for weekdays too.

Years ago, I did not eat porridge at all. I just did not enjoy it one bit. However, one day a few years ago I made Baked Overnight Oatmeal with Rhubarb and Almonds and discovered I really enjoyed this baked version of porridge. Before long I developed another recipe, Cranberry Orange Baked Oatmeal, and then one day I tried making this recipe. I have never looked back. I love that oatmeal is such a healthy way to start the day.

In fact, I grew to like it porridge, I’ve come up with all kinds of variations. My Pear Walnut and Ginger Oatmeal is one of my favourites. I know you can make “instant oatmeal” in two minutes in the microwave, but this tastes SO much better and it’s healthier too.  It’s well worth the three or four extra minutes it takes to stir on the stove. Besides, as Nigella Lawson says, a little repetitive stirring can be very therapeutic!

Is Pear Walnut and Ginger Oatmeal Gluten Free?

Pear Walnut and Ginger Oatmeal is gluten free if you make it with oats that are certified gluten free. If it doesn’t say gluten free on the package, the oatmeal may have been processed in a factory which processes wheat, barley or rye. This can lead to cross contamination.

Pear Walnut and Ginger Oatmeal Variations

My Pear Walnut and Ginger Oatmeal is a great way to use pears which are a little past their best – or those that don’t seem to want to ripen. (Cooking helps soften them.) If you can’t get fresh pears, you can always use canned ones. In the latter case, use pears in fruit juice if you can.

You can also substitute a peeled, grated apple (or two depending on how big they are) for the pears. I add a teaspoon or so of cinnamon when I do this and sometimes a grating of fresh nutmeg. My husband says this variation tastes like warm apple pie and I think so too!

Can I Use Dairy-Free Milk in This Recipe?

You can use whatever kind of milk you prefer. I generally use half fat (two percent) milk. Dairy-free milks that tolerate heat well also work in this recipe. I particularly like to make it with coconut milk (from the chiller cabinet, not tinned or canned).

Can I Leave Out The Nuts?

Of course! I’ve added walnuts for nutrition and a very welcome crunch in this Pear Walnut and Ginger Oatmeal. However, if nut allergies are an issues you should definitely leave them out.

However, if you are able to eat nuts it’s well worth including them. Walnuts are healthy eating powerhouses, containing iron, selenium, healthy fats, vitamin E, B vitamins and calcium too. Like oatmeal itself, nuts can help your body feel fuller for longer. You use pecans as well as – or instead of – the walnuts. Either – or both – taste great!

Or try sprinkling some mixed seeds over the oatmeal instead of the nuts.

Spices

Spices can help stimulate your metabolism, making them an important part of a healthy eating plan. However if you have heart issues or are taking certain medications, you may need to adjust the spices in this recipe or leave them out.

If you are able to eat ginger, it does contain anti-inflamatory compounds called gingerols that may benefit your immune system. My family and I are big ginger fans so I use a half teaspoon of ground ginger for two servings. Feel free to reduce – or increase – this to suit your personal tastes. Also be careful not to use too much ginger if you have any issues with heart arrhythmias or low blood pressure.

I also sometimes add cinnamon to this recipe and a grating of fresh nutmeg makes it taste extra delicious.

Other Add Ins

Feel free to add a handful of raisins, dried cranberries or other chopped dried fruit to this recipe.

Can I Adjust The Sweetening In This Recipe?

As I’ve been following a healthy eating plan, my tastes are gradually changing and I really don’t need things to be as sweet as I used to.

In the beginning I regularly used 2 tablespoons of maple syrup in this recipe. Now I only use 2 teaspoons of maple syrup in the whole recipe. Feel free to adjust the proportions of maple syrup to your taste, although don’t add too much as it could affect the texture of the oatmeal. You can always serve extra maple syrup at the table in case anyone wants to add more. I have also substituted honey for the maple syrup.

This recipe serves two generously, depending on the size of the pears. You may even find it stretches to three, depending on age and appetite and also how many add in ingredients (like raisins or dried fruit) that you use.

Pear Walnut and Ginger Oatmeal Printable Recipe