Bircher muesli

Bircher muesli is my current breakfast passion. It's healthy because of the oats and fruit, filling enough to hold me till lunchtime because of the nuts of seeds, and so quick and easy to make that I can manage even on busy mornings! The other great thing about bircher muesli is that you have dozens of potential combinations for toppings, allowing you to make a different breakfast experience every day, so you don't get bored.

The bowl above features almonds, pumpkin seeds, mango, blueberries and dragon fruit. Yum! Many versions of this dish use apple juice to soak the oats, rather than milk and yogurt, and leave out the grated apple. Personally, I prefer the creaminess from the dairy version, and think the grated apple adds a lovely texture. I know this isn't Asian street food, but what can I say? Life isn't all dumplings and curry (mores the pity!)

Recipe

For the overnight section:
30g porridge oats
1 tbsp oat bran (optional)
1 tbsp wheat bran (optional)
1/2 apple, grated
50g natural yogurt (fat free is fine)
1/4 cup milk

For the morning:
Splash of extra milk or spoonful of extra yogurt
Seeds, nuts, fresh or dried fruits of your choosing.
Good options are:
1-2 tbsp almonds, 1 tbsp grated coconut, 1/4 cup diced mango, or
1 tbsp sesame seeds, 1 tbsp peanuts, 1 tbsp currants or raisins, or
1 tbsp coconut, 1/2 cup sliced or diced strawberries, and 1/4 cup blueberries
You can also try sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, hazelnuts, dried cranberries, blueberries or cherries, diced dates or apricots, sliced bananas, the list goes on and on.....

Mix all the overnight ingredients together. If not using the oat bran or wheat bran, either add an extra 2 tbsp of oats, or reduce the milk by a tbsp. Cover and put in the fridge overnight.

The following morning, add a little extra milk or yogurt to loosen the mixture. Toast the seeds or nuts if desired. Top the muesli with the seeds or nuts, and dried fruit or fresh fruit.

Serves: 1
Preparation and cooking time: 2 minutes the night before, and 2-5 minutes in the morning