Oats Banana Porridge
A warm, comforting bowl of creamy oats porridge sweetened naturally with ripe bananas. This quick Indian-style breakfast comes together in under 15 minutes, with the bananas melting into the oats for natural sweetness and a velvety texture. Perfect for busy mornings when you need something wholesome and satisfying.
For 2 servings
- prep · ~1 min
Mash one banana and slice the other.
Peel both bananas. Mash one thoroughly with a fork until smooth. Slice the second banana into thin rounds and set aside for topping.
- boil · ~6 min
Cook the oats with water.
In a saucepan, bring 2.5 cups water to a boil. Add the rolled oats and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until oats soften and absorb most of the water.
TIPStir frequently to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom. - mix · ~3 min
Add mashed banana and milk.
Stir the mashed banana into the cooking oats. Pour in the warm milk and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the porridge reaches a creamy, slightly loose consistency.
TIPThe porridge will thicken as it cools — keep it a bit looser than you want at the table. - mix · ~1 min
Finish with cardamom and ghee.
Remove from heat. Sprinkle the cardamom powder over the porridge and add the ghee. Stir gently to combine. The ghee melts in and adds a subtle richness.
TIPAdding ghee at the end preserves its aroma and healthy fats. - assemble · ~1 min
Ladle into bowls and top with sliced banana and almonds.
Divide the porridge between two bowls. Arrange the reserved banana slices on top and scatter the slivered almonds over each bowl.
- serve
Serve warm.
TIPThis porridge is best eaten fresh and warm — it sets firmly as it cools.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use very ripe bananas with brown speckles for maximum natural sweetness.
- 2Stir the porridge frequently while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even texture.
- 3Add the milk after the oats have absorbed most of the water for a creamier result.
- 4Keep the porridge slightly looser than desired as it will thicken upon cooling.
- 5Add ghee at the very end to preserve its nutty aroma and healthy fat profile.
- 6Toast the almonds in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes before topping for extra crunch and flavor.
- 7For a vegan version, substitute ghee with coconut oil and milk with plant-based milk.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan-dairy-free
Replace ghee with coconut oil or a neutral oil and use almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk instead of dairy milk. This makes the porridge entirely plant-based while keeping it creamy.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 1 scoop of unflavored or vanilla plant-based protein powder after cooking, or stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter along with the mashed banana. Great for a post-workout breakfast.
nut freeNut-free
Skip the almonds and substitute with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped walnuts (if not allergic). The seeds add crunch and healthy fats without tree nuts.
low sugarLow-sugar
Use just one very ripe banana (mashed) and omit the sliced banana topping. Sweeten with a few drops of stevia if needed. This reduces overall sugar content while keeping the texture creamy.
chocolate bananaChocolate-banana
Add 1 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder along with the mashed banana for a chocolatey twist. Top with dark chocolate shavings instead of almonds for indulgent mornings.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Rolled oats and bananas both provide soluble fiber (beta-glucan and pectin), which supports digestive health and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Natural Energy Boost
The combination of complex carbohydrates from oats and natural sugars from ripe bananas provides sustained energy release, ideal for starting your day.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Almonds and ghee contribute monounsaturated fats and a small amount of saturated fat, which when eaten in moderation support heart health and nutrient absorption.
Good Source of Potassium
Bananas are naturally high in potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions.
Contains Antioxidants
Cardamom powder adds a dose of antioxidants, including compounds that may help reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but reduce the water to 1.5 cups and cook for only 2-3 minutes, as instant oats absorb liquid faster and become mushy if overcooked.
