Skip to main content

5-Grain Porridge with Bee Pollen, Apples, and Coconut

This nutrient-dense 5-grain porridge offers a sophisticated twist on a classic breakfast staple. A hearty blend of brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, millet, and wheat bran creates a complex texture and a nutty depth of flavour that far surpasses standard oats. Topped with warm, honey-glazed apples and toasted coconut flakes, it provides a satisfying balance of natural sweetness and crunch to brighten a chilly morning.

As a versatile vegetarian dish, this porridge is perfect for batch cooking as the base can be prepared up to five days in advance and reheated. The addition of bee pollen and a hint of sea salt adds a modern, artisanal finish, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome, high-fibre brunch that keeps you fuelled until lunchtime.

Video picks

Continue reading below

Ingredients for 5-Grain Porridge with Bee Pollen, Apples, and Coconut

  • 90g brown rice

  • 90g quinoa

  • 45g amaranth

  • 40g millet

  • 40g wheat bran

  • 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

  • 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil

  • 60ml unsweetened coconut flakes

  • 1 large sweet-tart apple (such as Pink Lady), cut into 1/4" pieces

  • 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • 2 tablespoons honey, plus more

  • Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon) and bee pollen (for serving)

  • Bee pollen is available at health food stores, some grocery stores, and online.

Bring brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, millet, wheat bran, salt, and 1450ml water to a boil in a medium pot. Reduce heat, partially cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until cereal is the consistency of porridge (softer and thicker than the usual bowl of oatmeal) and water is absorbed, 40–50 minutes.

Do ahead: Porridge can be made 5 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill. Assembly Heat coconut oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Cook coconut flakes, stirring often, until toasted, 2 minutes; transfer to a plate.

Add apple, cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons honey to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are browned in spots and tender, about 3 minutes. Serve porridge topped with apples, coconut, sea salt, bee pollen, and a drizzle of honey, if you like.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.