Strawberries must be one of the most popular fruits around? So versatile, gorgeous and the perfect representation of a blissful summer’s day. This strawberry and banana porridge is a beautiful way of getting more of these gleaming beauties into your life, first thing in the morning.

I was inspired by the classic smoothie. Strawberries and bananas work so well together, both in taste as well as texture and I thought bringing them together in a porridge, with its creamy voluptuousness, would only make things better. The orange only adds to the breakfast-ness of it all and is also a good friend of the strawberry. Such a happy adventure when things go well, particularly in the morning.

Looking for some amazing smoothie recommendations? Take a look at Deliciously Ella for lots of inspiration.

Strawberry and banana sunrise porridge

Ingredients for strawberry and banana porridge

Strawberry sauce

 150g strawberries

1 tbsp strawberry jam

½ tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Zest and juice of a tangerine or half an orange

Porridge

130g porridge oats

400ml milk (your choice)

5 tbsp strawberry sauce

½ regular banana, mashed (other half left for garnishing at the end)

Handful of banana chips and strawberry slices per bowl to adorn the porridge before eating

Sugar or honey to taste on top (but taste before adding as the jam, banana and vanilla all add to the sweetness)

Serves 2

Method

Cut strawberries into small chunks and add to the saucepan with the jam, vanilla, salt and orange juice. Bring to the boil and cook for about 5 mins, until the strawberries soften and start to cook down.

Turn off the heat and with a whisk or an immersion blender make a smoother sauce. Leave to cool. (This step could be done the night before or a few days before and stored in the fridge).

• Add the porridge oats to a separate pan.
• Measure out the milk in a jug and add in the 5 tbsp strawberry sauce and mix together.

• Add the strawberry milk to the porridge.
• Cook on a moderate heat, stirring regularly, until it begins to bubble which will take about 10 minutes. Let it continue to do this for a few more minutes and take off the heat.

• Serve and add the additional banana, banana chips and strawberries to serve.

Looking for other interesting twists on porridge? Try my Mango, coconut and lime porridge – a touch of sunshine to start the day, that’ll put a smile on your face.

Looking for other ways to use up brown bananas? Try my Chai Banana Bread or perhaps my Cinnamon, oat and banana pancakes with spiced plums