5 buckwheat porridge recipes because winter is too long to have oatmeal every day

Starting the day off with a stick-to-your-ribs breakfast is practically mandatory during a polar vortex (which seem to happen basically every other day). The catch: No matter how many ways you reinvent your oatmeal bowl—whether you’re adding eggs or trying a different savory twist—it can still feel a little tired if you’re eating it every single day. But have you considered switching up the grain itself?

Look, oats are great. Fabulous, in fact. They’re full of fiber and protein. But there are some definite nutritional benefits to switching it out for buckwheat from time to time. The gluten-free pseudograin (it’s a seed, actually) has its own health benefits to brag about. Buckwheat is good for your heart and can help lower cholesterol. It also helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Taste-wise, it’s a bit earthier than oats, so not only does switching up your morning bowl provide a variety of health benefits, but you also get a whole new breakfast flavor to enjoy.

If you want to give it a try, check out the five buckwheat porridge recipes below.

1. Chia vanilla buckwheat breakfast porridge 

Oh She Glows blogger Angela Liddon’s trick to making her buckwheat porridge taste rich and flavorful: soaking them overnight in water, then blending them with almond milk in the morning until they’re nice and smooth. She also adds in a couple tablespoons of chia seeds for added protein, and a hint of vanilla for sweetness. Last, she tops her breakfast porridge off with lots of fresh fruit—perfect for a burst of vitamin C and warding off winter colds.

2. Raw carrot cake buckwheat porridge

This breakfast recipe from Blissful Basil is like eating carrot cake batter with a spoon—you know, without the salmonella risk. The sweetness comes from a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, Medjool dates, and vanilla. De-freaking-licious.

3. Creamy banana buckwheat porridge

Maybe you’re more of a banana bread person than a carrot cake person. If so, this recipe should be right up your ally. Deliciously Ella’s Ella Woodward uses almond butter to make her banana bread-inspired porridge that much creamier. She likes topping her bowl off with fresh strawberries to add a bit of tartness.

4. Cinnamon maple buckwheat porridge

This recipe from Choosing Chia blogger Jess Hoffman is a great one to have in your back pocket when you want a warm, delicious breakfast, but only want to spend five minutes making it. It has six basic ingredients: buckwheat, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and almond milk. Hoffman tops her bowl off with vibrant fruits and berries, but the finishing touches are completely customizable. Follow her recipe for the base and you’re sure to end up with a yummy bowl.

5. Walnut and date buckwheat porridge

Another buckwheat porridge recipe so easy it’s virtually impossible to mess up comes courtesy of VeguKate blogger Kate Gavlick. The walnuts and chia boost the protein in your bowl while the dates and cinnamon add a touch of natural sweetness. If you want the texture to be a bit creamier, just add a spoonful of nut butter or blend in half a banana.

For more easy and healthy meal ideas, check out these 15 minute dinner recipes and these 5 Mediterranean diet-friendly recipes.