SOAKED BREAKFAST CEREAL MIX

This nutrient-packed dry blend is the secret to a delicious, grab-and-go breakfast that’s ready whenever you are. Simply scoop your desired amount into a container, soak overnight in kefir, then top with yogurt, fresh fruit, and nuts for a satisfying start to your day.

Ingredients

These are all optional, quantities vary, I add what I have in the cupboard and the amount that fits in my jar. I aim to get a jar full each time I make up the mix.

• 120g chia seeds
• 60g hemp seeds
• 120g flax seeds
• 60g LSA blend
• 120g nigella seeds or whatever is around that hasn’t been used up (black onion seeds)
• 120g coconut (desiccated or flakes)
• 120g pumpkin seeds
• 120g sunflower seeds
• 120g sesame seeds
• 240g rolled oats
• 15g ground cinnamon
• 5g turmeric powder (optional)
• A handful of roughly chopped almonds
• A handful of roughly chopped walnuts

Method – the bulk mix

1. Combine all seeds, nuts, oats, coconut, cinnamon, and turmeric in a large jar and shake well to combine evenly.
2. Store in an airtight container (a glass jar works perfectly) in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.

To Serve – breakfast for a week

1. To prepare a weeks breakfast, put a few scoops of the mix into a container that has an airtight lid (preferably glass) and that fits in the fridge and stir in kefir. It needs to be pretty runny because the seeds will swell.
2. Add a few sultanas and some chopped dates (use a pair of scissors for the chopping) for a bit of sweetness, and stir it up. Let soak overnight in the fridge, or for at least 2 hours if desperate. Or if really desperate you can heat some, the seeds will swell faster, but the live goodies in the kefir will be destroyed.
3. In the morning, take out a good sized spoonful (I only use a teaspoon full), add a bit of extra kefir, perhaps top with natural yogurt, fresh fruit or stewed fruit (I make a rhubarb and berry compote), and a sprinkle of seeds and mixed nuts.
4. I have it cold, straight from the fridge, but in Winter it could be warmed, before adding more kefir and the yoghurt.

Notes

Substitutions: Use regular milk, almond milk, or coconut milk instead of kefir if preferred. Swap any seeds for others you have on hand—sunflower can replace hemp, pumpkin can replace nigella. Add some protein powder separately when serving for extra nutrition.

Storage: Keep the dry mix in an airtight container away from heat and light. Once soaked, it easily lasts a week if using kefir, for milk alternatives I would use faster and make smaller quantities.