Star anise porridge is one of those incredibly heartwarming bowl of porridges that tastes sensational and makes you feel good after eating it. Each bite hits you with warm spices and fragrant vanilla. I like to serve this every so often when we have a little more time in the morning – not because the porridge takes long to cook, because it only takes 10 minutes from start to finish, but because it deserves to be savored. It’s the kind of porridge you eat by the window or out on the patio and just enjoy the start of the day. My favorite way to serve this is to top with a little brown sugar, milk or cream and chopped walnuts. You can also serve it with syrup, honey, dried fruits and other types of nuts and seeds you prefer.

Star Anise Porridge (havregrøt med stjerneanis)

Serves 2

• 1 cup (100 g) steel-cut oats / store havegryn
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 3 star anise
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon flaxseeds

To serve:

• Brown sugar
• Chopped walnuts
• Heavy cream or milk of choice

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In a large saucepan, bring the oats, milk, water, star anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla extract and flaxseeds to a simmer over medium heat and cook, 5 to 8 minutes or until the oats have softened and the porridge has thickened. Remove the star anise and transfer the porridge to two bowls. Top with your choice of toppings, such as brown sugar, cream, and walnuts. Serve while warm.

For more porridge inspiration, try these:

* Kaffegraut (Norwegian Semolina Porridge)

*Risengrynsgrøt (Norwegian Rice Porridge)

*Rømmegrøt with Homemade Sour Cream