Sweet Potato, Miso & Buckwheat Porridge

This gutsy gluten-free porridge combines fibre- and protein-rich buckwheat with sweet potato to make a delicious, nourishing comfort food for you and your friendly microbes. Sweet potato contains insoluble fibre, helping to keep you regular, as well as pro-vitamin A, important for keeping your gut lining robust. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring a host of anti-inflammatory benefits, but the hero is in the topping. Pomegranate seeds have been shown to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting pathogenic bugs, helping to restore balance in the microbiota. CARLA’S TIP Buckwheat porridge stores really well in the refrigerator. Divide any leftover porridge between jars and eat it cold or warm for a quick breakfast during the week. Cooling the sweet potato also increases its resistant starch, helping to produce short-chain fatty acids that help fight inflammation. LOW-FODMAP OPTION Reduce the sweet potato to 300 g (10½ oz), swap the drinking coconut milk for unsweetened UHT coconut almond or macadamia milk, and swap the honey for some pure organic maple syrup.

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Step 1

Fill a small bowl up halfway with warm water. Add the buckwheat groats and vinegar and set aside in a warm place to soak for at least 2 (and up to 6) hours. Drain and rinse.

Step 2

Steam the sweet potato for 10 minutes, or until tender, then mash into a purée (you can do this ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator).

Step 3

In a large saucepan, combine the coconut milk, water and buckwheat groats. Bring to the boil over a high heat, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until softened and tender.Add the sweet potato, miso, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla extract and stevia. Stir continuously and cook for 3–4 more minutes. Add a little extra coconut milk or water to reach your desired porridge consistency.

Step 4

Serve the porridge topped with coconut yoghurt, pomegranate seeds, coconut flakes and sunflower kernels, a sprinkling of cinnamon and a drizzle of manuka honey, as desired.