+ strawberry rhubarb poppy seed buckwheat porridge (vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free) +

Beware! This bowl of goodness is SUPERCHARGED. Literally everything in it is beneficial for your health, especially your bones. It is vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar free. I'd been having a huge mug of chai and/or just fruit for breakfast lately. I like to change things up a little in the weekend though, because I can spend a little more time in the kitchen. I got my hands on a few stalks of gorgeously pink rhubarb.  For some odd reason I was craving tart through the whole weekend so this dish definitely hit the spot. Strawberries are becoming sweeter and more flavorful as we're approaching May, so I thought these two would make the perfect classic combo to top a creamy porridge on a Saturday morning. Don't you agree? 

Why is it so good for me? - you may ask. Where do I begin...

Buckwheat: 

• for the manganese:  essential for strong bones and proper metabolization of protein, and carbs. 
• for the magnesium: very important for cardiovascular health, and healthy bones
• a good source of dietary fiber, B vitamins and plant protein

Poppy Seeds: 

• an excellent source of manganese 
• a good source of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, the latter aids the absorption the B vitamins in buckwheat and helps your body create energy by supporting the synthesis of all macronutrients

Rhubarb: 

• amazing source of vitamin K_1, mostly found in leafy green vegetables and prevents blood clotting
• it contains lutein that helps your eyes against oxidative stress

Strawberries: 

• just one cup of raw strawberries will cover your vitamin C needs for the day
• berries in general are relatively low sugar fruits that contain a huge amount of valuable flavonoids and antioxidants that prevent cancer and fight inflammation

Chia seeds: 

• aid digestion with gel forming ability and high dietary fiber content
• more plant protein!
• omega-3 fatty acids for brain health
• regulates blood sugar levels 

Hemp seeds: 

• excellent source of zinc that is essential for your immune system to function properly and promotes wound healing
• omega-3 fatty acids for brain health
• contains selenium that supports thyroid function
• contains all of the essential amino acids, upping your protein intake

Are you convinced? Let's get to the recipe then. 

Ingredients (serves 1 generously):

For the porridge:

4 tbsp buckwheat groats

4 tbsp buckwheat flakes

1 tbsp poppy seeds (whole or ground)

1 tsp organic grated lemon zest

1/4 -1/2 tsp vanilla powder

1/2 cup unsweetened oat milk

1/2 cup water

1/2 banana, blended or mashed

For the sauce: 

1 stalk rhubarb, chopped and steamed

300 gr strawberries, hulled

1 orange, juiced

1 tsp chia seeds

5 dried dates, pitted (adjust to desired sweetness)

pinch cardamom

Toppings: 

1 tbsp hemp seeds

1 tbsp shredded coconut

fresh basil (optional)

Instructions: 

Chop up your rhubarb and steam it gently for 15 minutes. Juice your orange and pit your dates. Mix them to soak until you are ready to make the sauce base. Add the buckwheat groats and flakes to a small pot along with the water, oat milk, poppy seeds and vanilla and bring to a boil over medium heat. When it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low and cook until it thickens (about 15 minutes). Turn off heat and add the lemon zest. Let it cool slightly, and add 1/2 of a pureed banana. Let the rhubarb cool to room temperature in a bowl while you make the strawberry sauce. Dump your dates and OJ into your high speed blender and blend, until smooth. Take half of your strawberries and  blend those into the mix. Pour it over your cooled rhubarb. Add a pinch of cardamom and 1 tsp of chia seeds. Lastly, chop up the rest of your strawberries and gently stir it all up. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to take effect. Serve the porridge in a big bowl and smother it in the delicious red sauce. Top with hemp seeds and shredded coconut. 

Bon Appétit!