Rice Porridge with Banana and Walnuts
A warm, comforting breakfast bowl. Creamy rice porridge cooked with lactose-free milk, naturally sweetened with banana and maple syrup, and finished with a delightful crunch from walnuts. Perfect for a gentle, low-fiber start to your day.
For 2 servings
Rinse the rice.
Place the white rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the porridge from becoming gummy.
Cook the rice with water.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 1.5 cups of water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.
TIPKeep an eye on the pot to ensure the rice doesn't stick to the bottom as the water evaporates.Add milk and create the porridge.
- Pour the lactose-free milk into the saucepan with the cooked rice.
- Increase the heat to medium and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently until the porridge is thick and creamy.
TIPStirring often is key to developing a creamy texture and preventing the milk from scorching.Season the porridge.
Once the porridge has reached your desired consistency, stir in the ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine.
Assemble and serve.
Divide the warm porridge between two bowls. Top each bowl with sliced banana, chopped walnuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an even creamier porridge, use arborio rice, which is traditionally used for risotto.
- 2Toast the walnuts in a dry pan for 2-3 minutes before chopping to enhance their flavor.
- 3If the porridge becomes too thick, you can stir in a splash more lactose-free milk to loosen it.
- 4This porridge can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove with a little extra milk.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Stir in a scoop of unflavored or vanilla lactose-free protein powder at the end of cooking for a protein boost.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Mash half of the banana and stir it directly into the porridge to sweeten it naturally, reducing the need for maple syrup.
veganVegan
This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses lactose-free milk (often plant-based) and maple syrup. Ensure your milk choice is plant-based like almond or soy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Easy to Digest
Made with white rice, this porridge is low in fiber, making it gentle on the digestive system and a great option for those with sensitive stomachs or following a low-FODMAP diet.
Sustained Energy
The carbohydrates from rice and banana provide a steady source of energy to start your day, while the fats from walnuts help with satiety.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be a healthy breakfast. It provides carbohydrates for energy from rice, healthy fats from walnuts, and potassium from bananas. Using white rice makes it low in fiber and easy to digest, which is suitable for certain dietary needs like a low-FODMAP or IBS-friendly diet.