I’m a big fan of eating everything is moderation. But sometime after I forget the ‘moderation’ part (or choose to ignore it) and during the seasons of indulgence, I like to have a small eating ‘reset’ – a few days of very simple nutrient dense meals, fermented and raw as much as possible. My Russian oat kissel is one of the things I go to during those times; and this simple porridge of only three ingredients is my other favorite. Kefir is a miracle food of its own, in my personal opinion, and when combined with flax seeds, this porridge makes me feel lighter and more energetic from the first bowl.
FLAX SEED IN RUSSIAN FOLK WISDOM
Flax is one of the oldest Russian super plants. Folks revered it during the pagan times, and believed that it symbolizes purity and light. They used it to make clothing, treat disease, wash and condition hair, press oil, prepare drinkable kissel, cook porridges and breads.
Ground flax seeds have been and are to this day used in Russia to rejuvenate the body. They rid it of excessive toxins and aid the digestive system. Combined with probiotic rich kefir, they cleanse, while kefir replenishes the beneficial bacteria in our bellies. There is a wealth of information about proven benefits of flax seeds in this article by Dr. Axe.
SOME THINGS TO KNOW
This porridge can be an acquired taste, if you are new to raw and soaked cereals. Similar to chia seed porridge, it has a gooey and stretchy, almost dough-like, consistency. I happen to love it even unsweetened, but think that prunes make it perfect — just slightly sweet. Reminiscent of molasses or dark caramel, the prunes melt into the porridge if allowed to sit overnight, and go so nicely with the nutty flavor of flax.
HOW TO MAKE KEFIR FLAX SEED PORRIDGE
Ingredients
1.5 cup kefir (how to make kefir)
3 tablespoons freshly ground flax seeds (I prefer golden, but brown also work) – grind them in a coffee grinder right before using to retain maximum nutritional benefits
5 pitted prunes, chopped finely
Optional:
A splash of honey or maple syrup
A cup of your favorite berries and/or chopped fruit
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon/cardamom/ginger, or any other spices you like
Instructions
Mix kefir, ground flax seeds and prunes in a pint mason jar. Leave for at least an hour, or overnight (it softens the flax seeds).
Add any optional ingredients right before serving.
Notes
To make a vegan version, substitute kefir for coconut yogurt.
Kefir Flax Seed Porridge {My Reset Meal}
Ingredients
- 1.5 cup kefir how to make kefir
- 3 tablespoons freshly ground flax seeds I prefer golden, but brown also work - grind them in a coffee grinder right before using to retain maximum nutritional benefits
- 5 pitted prunes chopped finely
OPTIONAL
- A splash of honey or maple syrup
- A cup of your favorite berries and/or chopped fruit
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon/cardamom/ginger or any other spices you like
Instructions
- Mix kefir, ground flax seeds and prunes in a pint mason jar. Leave for at least an hour, or overnight (it softens the flax seeds).
- Add any optional ingredients right before serving.
Notes
8 comments
This is beautiful! And so good for you. I’m so intrigued by the these overnight porridges…nice work!
Thanks, Sheila! So simple and so filling! 🙂
Hi Valeria, Can you use yogurt for this as well? I have about 1 cup of kefir and lots of yogurt.
Hi girlie, I’ve been slow to reply lately, sorry! You can definitely use yogurt and I actually did this morning, been obsessed with my homemade yogurt. My kids also eat more of it because it’s not as sour as kefir 🙂
Also…should you leave it in the fridge or on the counter for an hour/overnight? Thanks!
Curious if the porridge can be warmed up in the morning after its overnight ferment on the counter and still maintain its consistency and nutrients?
I think you can warm it up a little, like to below 150ºF, but if you are looking for the live probiotics I wouldn’t go much higher passed that : )
How often do you eat?