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While cauliflower may not be a traditional breakfast food, I’ve combined it with some sweet berries, zuchinni, and maple syrup into this delightful warm porridge to bring you everything you love about warm breakfasts in a wonderfully balanced dish you’ll eat again and again. It's Paleo and AIP friendly and oh so comforting!
I don't know about you, but I am a sucker for a warm bowl of oatmeal on a cold winter's morning. Any time we had a snow day, that's what my mom would serve us, so because I am so closely tied with my old food memories and the feelings they bring back, it's like the ultimate comfort food for me.
However, oats are not the best choice for many of us with an autoimmune disease. Sure, they're probably okay on occasion, but especially if you're trying to avoid grains, like on Paleo, or if you're actively on the AIP diet, you aren't currently eating them.
Enter oatmeal alternatives like this Cauliflower Berry Hot Porridge. I'll be the first to admit that it sounds weird – but you've got to trust me on this one that it's absolutely delicious.
The cauliflower is mashed and gives it the bulk, the berries and maple syrup provide sweetness and flavor, and there is some hidden zucchini to amp up the nutrients.
It's also a great meal prep item – make a bunch and freeze individual portions to take out and reheat for a SUPER fast breakfast!!
Ingredients in this simple porridge (and substitutions)
- Frozen Berry Mix: berries are a great source of antioxidants, ready to combat inflammation. You can substitute with fresh berries or your favorite berry variety.
- Cauliflower: high in fiber and neutral in flavor, you won't even notice it's there. Substitute with more zucchini or steamed sweet potatoes.
- Zucchini: zucchini promotes healthy digestion by providing lots of water and insoluble fiber. If you don't have any on hand or don't enjoy zucchini, feel free to subtitle with pumpkin puree.
- Maple Syrup: this natural sweetener is low on the glycemic index and contains numerous antioxidants. Feel free to substitute with honey.
- Collagen Powder: paired with those Vitamin C rich berries, collagen powder is a power house in promoting gut health and treating leaky gut syndrome. This is completely optional. Just don't substitute with gelatin, or you'll get jello rather than a porridge as it cools.
How to make this nutritious breakfast
- Put a small pot of water on to boil. Cut the cauliflower into florets if not already done. Add the cauliflower to a steamer basket and place over the boiling water.
- Steam for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, either cook the berries in a small saucepan over medium heat until soft (about 5 minutes) or put in a microwave safe container and cook on high for 1 minute, stir, and then cook an additional minute.
- Once the cauliflower is done, remove it from the steamer and carefully place into a blender (or a large bowl if using a stick immersion blender). Add the berries, zucchini, maple syrup, and collagen if desired and blend until mostly smooth.
- Reheat in a small saucepan if it’s not as hot as you’d like it to be.
Making this berry porridge ahead of time
This can be made up to 5 days ahead of time and just reheated as necessary.
You can also freeze this directly into freezer bags or containers in individual portions or into 1-2 cup Souper cubes or silicone muffin trays, then popping out once frozen and storing in a freezer bag or container.
Then when you need to eat it, either thaw overnight in the fridge and rewarm it in the morning or cook from frozen in the microwave or in a small saucepan on the stove until your desired temperature.
Want other Paleo and AIP Breakfast recipes? Try one of these!
Spiced Carrot Porridge (Paleo, Whole30, AIP)
Sweet Potato Breakfast Bowl (Paleo, Whole30, AIP)
Cassava Flour Pancakes (Paleo, AIP)
Or check out my entire book of AIP Breakfasts – The AIP Breakfasts Book! (instant download – have these recipes in minutes)
More Helpful AIP Resources in the Freebie Library
If you find this recipe helpful, you may really enjoy the resources in my Paleo & AIP Freebie Library! There's a “dump” freezer meal plan, a list of AIP-compliant breakfast toppings, and so much more. Plus, you'll get even more ideas sent to your inbox! Get the password here.
Warm Berry Porridge Recipe
If you make this porridge, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Either comment below or share a pic on Instagram and tag me @thrivingautoimmune!
Warm Berry Porridge (Paleo, Whole30, AIP)
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed Frozen Berries
- 1/2 head Cauliflower (or 2 cups Frozen florets)
- 1/2 medium Zucchini (peeled and diced or shredded)
- 1 tbsp Maple Syrup (or Honey – omit for Whole30)
- 1 scoop Collagen Powder (optional, to add protein)
Instructions
- Put a small pot of water on to boil. Cut the cauliflower into florets if not already done. Add the cauliflower to a steamer basket and place over the boiling water.
- Steam for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, either cook the berries in a small saucepan over medium heat until soft (about 5 minutes) or put in a microwave safe container and cook on high for 1 minute, stir, and then cook an additional minute.
- Once the cauliflower is done, remove it from the steamer and carefully place into a blender (or a large bowl if using a stick immersion blender). Add the berries, zucchini, maple syrup, and collagen if desired and blend until mostly smooth.
- Reheat in a small saucepan if it’s not as hot as you’d like it to be.
Question. Do you cook the zucchini at all or does it go in raw?
Yeah, I usually throw it in raw, but you could steam it if you’d rather.