After cutting back on dairy and grains a few years back for my own personal stomach reasons, I still find myself craving a bowl of yogurt & granola or oatmeal time after time...

It's usually after a workout, when nothing else sounds quite as simple & nourishing. 

So, I've been making this post-workout snack/small meal pretty often. It's filling and kind of feels like you're eating a bowl of yogurt or oats. That's why I call it "porridge" - which is technically a grain in milk or water - but here, I'm using mashed banana in place of the grain.

And add a spoonful of nut butter... yes. please.

Hunger pains = over.

You can top this with mixed nuts, more nut butter or dried fruit (I like raisins!).

The recipe is more like a method or template - you can add more or less of any of the ingredients depending on your hunger level. And the longer it sits, the thicker it gets thanks to the chia seeds.

Banana-Nut Porridge {grain-free}

(makes 1 serving)

• 1 banana

• 1/2 cup light coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk)

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• few dashes cinnamon

• 1-2 tablespoons chia seeds

• 1-2 tablespoons nut butter (I use chunky almond butter)

• Pinch of salt

• Optional Toppings: more nut butter melted, extra sliced banana, unsweetened dried fruit/raisins, chopped nuts, cacao nibs, shredded coconut, raw honey drizzle.

Directions: 

1. In a bowl, mash the banana. Add in the coconut milk and mash/stir until incorporated together and somewhat smooth.

2. Add in the vanilla, cinnamon, chia seeds, nut butter and pinch of salt and stir until smooth. It's okay if it's a little lumpy, but at least incorporate everything together so it's all mixed in!

3. Let set in the refrigerator to chill until you are ready to eat it. You can also eat it right after making it, but the longer it sits, the thicker it gets thanks to the chia seeds. So it's whatever you prefer (I usually eat it immediately - but I have no patience, so...)

4. When ready to eat, top with additional banana slices, more nut butter, fruit and/or raisins, if desired. I melt the almond butter and drizzle it over the top. If you have coconut butter, it's also wonderful if you melt and drizzle it over the top. ;)

 Power on, my friends!