I’ve recently become obsessed with refrigerator oatmeal, or summer porridge if you want to be slightly more lyrical. It not only tastes darn good but it's also nutritious and super convenient. No matter how rushed you are, there won’t be any reason for skipping breakfast again, because the porridge is made (or assembled) the night before in a mason jar, meaning you can grab ‘n’ go as you dash out the door.

There’s a bunch of recipes on the ol’ internet, but over the last couple of months I’ve been experimenting and refining, settling on this as the best combination of ingredients. I find that the fruit provides enough sugar, but some people like to add coconut, maple syrup, jam, or honey for extra sweetness. You can use whatever fruit is in season (berries are particularly great), but frozen fruit works too as it defrosts overnight. The yogurt needs to be Greek as regular is too thin, while the milk can be any kind, including non dairy such as almond or coconut. The chia seeds are important not only for providing nutrients, but to soak up some of the liquid. The porridge is good for two days and there’s enough here for either two helpings or one very, very hungry person.

Take a 12 oz mason jar (with lid) and pour in:

1/4 cup old fashion rolled oats
1/3 cup Greek yogurt
1/3 cup milk
1 1/2 teaspoon chia seeds
A dash of pure vanilla extract

Then shake it all up in the jar.

Top the jar with fruit of your choice, and shake again.

Leave in fridge overnight.

(You might also want to give it a quick shake before serving the next morning.)

Do you have a recipe suggestion for summer porridge? Let us know in the comments below.

Tastes better than it looks
  • Tastes better than it looks