Hearty Vegan Mealie Meal Porridge: Cozy Gluten-Free South African Breakfast with Caramelized Banana & Pecans

3周前

Start your cold winter mornings with a bowl of pure comfort and nostalgia! This Hearty Vegan Mealie Meal Porridge, a beloved South African staple, brings warmth and wholesome goodness to your breakfast table. Even as a vegan foodie, veganonthesavannah cherishes simple, traditional meals like this one. Topped with sweet, caramelized banana and crunchy pecans, and finished with a generous pour of creamy plant-based milk, it's a simple yet satisfying start to any day. As one happy commenter noted, "That's an interesting looking porridge!", highlighting its unique and inviting appeal.

Mealie meal, also known as cornmeal, forms the base of this wonderfully gluten-free and dairy-free porridge. It's incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect quick breakfast solution for busy mornings or a leisurely weekend treat. Whether you're craving a taste of home or eager to explore new plant-based breakfast ideas, this recipe is designed to nourish your body and soul.

Why You'll Love This Cozy Vegan Breakfast

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for:

An Easy & Quick Vegan Breakfast: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean a warm meal in minutes.
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Options: Naturally accommodating for various dietary needs without compromising on flavor or texture.
A Taste of South African Comfort: Experience a traditional staple reimagined for a plant-based lifestyle.
A Wholesome & Filling Start: Packed with energy to keep you going through your day.
Delicious Flavor Combinations: The sweet caramelized banana and nutty pecans perfectly complement the creamy porridge.

What is Mealie Meal?

Mealie meal is a coarse flour (or meal) made from ground maize (corn). It's a fundamental ingredient in many African cuisines, particularly in South Africa, where it's used to make porridges, stiff pap (a thicker consistency eaten with savory dishes), and other staples. For this porridge, it cooks down into a creamy, comforting base that's naturally gluten-free.

Ingredients

To whip up this delightful breakfast, you'll need:

1 cup mealie meal (cornmeal)
3 cups water (or a mix of water and plant milk for extra creaminess)
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons coconut sugar (for porridge, adjust to taste)
1 large banana, sliced
1 tablespoon coconut sugar (for caramelizing banana)
1/4 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant milk, for serving)

Equipment

Medium saucepan
Whisk
Small non-stick pan (for caramelizing banana)

Instructions

Prepare the Porridge Base: In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water (or water/plant milk mix) to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
Add Mealie Meal: Slowly whisk in the mealie meal while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low.
Simmer: Continue stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes, or until the porridge thickens to your desired consistency. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of coconut sugar.
Caramelize Banana: While the porridge simmers, heat a small non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the sliced banana and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and caramelized.
Assemble and Serve: Pour the warm mealie meal porridge into a bowl. Top generously with the caramelized banana slices and chopped pecans.
Finish with Milk: Drizzle a healthy amount of unsweetened almond milk over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations & Adaptations

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the porridge while it cooks for extra warmth.
Alternative Sweeteners: Swap coconut sugar for maple syrup or agave syrup in the porridge and for caramelizing.
Nutty Alternatives: If pecans aren't your favorite, try walnuts, sliced almonds, or chia seeds for a different texture and added nutrients.
Fruity Twists: Besides banana, consider topping with fresh berries, sliced apples, or a spoonful of fruit compote.
Protein Boost: Stir in a tablespoon of your favorite vegan protein powder or peanut butter at the end for an extra energizing meal.

Tips & Hacks for Perfect Porridge

Prevent Lumps: The key to smooth mealie meal porridge is to slowly whisk in the mealie meal while the water is boiling. Don't dump it all in at once!
Adjust Consistency: For a thinner porridge, add a little more hot water or plant milk until desired consistency is reached. For a thicker porridge, cook for a few extra minutes.
Batch Cooking: You can make a larger batch of the basic porridge and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of plant milk on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Flavor Infusion: For a richer flavor, cook the mealie meal in plant-based milk instead of water.

Bring This Recipe to Life!

Ingredients for Vegan Mealie Meal Porridge laid out: mealie meal, a banana, pecans, and almond milk.

This image beautifully showcases the simple, wholesome ingredients you'll use to create this comforting breakfast.

A warm bowl of vegan mealie meal porridge topped with golden caramelized banana slices, crunchy pecans, and a generous pour of plant-based milk.

The final dish, garnished with its delightful toppings, promises a truly satisfying and photogenic meal.

Are you ready to try this delightful and easy Mealie Meal Porridge? Share your creations on abillion and tag us! We can't wait to see your cozy breakfast bowls.

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