A bowl of porridge can become something extraordinary with the right combination of ingredients. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe brings together the natural sweetness of fresh figs, the richness of tahini and the delicate crunch of candied pistachios.

The dish won first place in the creative category of Australia's Pearly Spurtle porridge competition. Its appeal lies in the contrast between warm, creamy oats, juicy fruit and aromatic toppings. A finishing drizzle of olive oil adds depth and gives this comforting breakfast a distinctive Mediterranean character.

What You'll Need

For 2 generous servings:

50g steel-cut oats

50g Scottish oatmeal (not instant oats)

850ml water

½ tsp salt

3 generous tbsp tahini

3½ tsp date syrup

Zest of ½ small lemon

1 handful of candied pistachios, roughly chopped

2 fresh figs, sliced and halved lengthways

Good-quality olive oil, for drizzling

1. Toast The Oats

Place the steel-cut oats in a dry saucepan over medium-high heat. Toast for approximately 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking or burning.

The oats are ready when they release a pleasant, nutty aroma. Toasting enhances their natural flavour and gives the finished porridge a richer taste.

Keep a close eye on the saucepan during the final minutes, as the oats can quickly become too dark.

2. Cook Until Creamy

Transfer the toasted oats to a saucepan with the Scottish oatmeal, water and salt.

Heat over a medium flame until the mixture begins to simmer. Immediately reduce the heat to low and allow the porridge to cook gently.

Stir frequently to prevent sticking and encourage a smooth, creamy consistency. The mixture should simmer very slowly, with occasional small bubbles rising to the surface.

Continue cooking for approximately 35 minutes, until the oats are tender but retain a slight chew.

For a quicker breakfast, the oats can be soaked overnight before cooking. This helps soften the grains and reduces the time needed on the stove.

3. Add Tahini And Date Syrup

Remove the cooked porridge from the heat and transfer it to a mixing bowl.

Immediately stir in the tahini while the oats are still hot. The sesame paste will blend into the mixture, creating a particularly smooth and velvety texture.

Add the date syrup and stir until evenly distributed.

Tahini provides a subtle nutty flavour, while date syrup adds gentle sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients.

4. Prepare The Fresh Toppings

Wash the figs carefully, then slice and halve them lengthways to create pieces suitable for arranging over the porridge.

Roughly chop the candied pistachios, keeping some larger pieces for extra crunch.

Fresh figs work particularly well because their soft texture and delicate sweetness complement the creamy oats. Preserved figs can also be used, although the date syrup should then be reduced to 2 teaspoons.

Dried figs are less suitable for this recipe because their firmer texture changes the balance of the finished dish.

5. Assemble And Serve

Divide the warm porridge evenly between two serving bowls.

Grate a little lemon zest directly over each portion. The warmth of the oats helps release the citrus aroma, adding freshness to the rich mixture.

Arrange the fig slices along one side of each bowl and scatter the chopped candied pistachios over the other.

Finish with the remaining lemon zest and a generous drizzle of olive oil.

Serve immediately while the porridge is warm and creamy.

Tips For The Best Results

The quality of the ingredients makes a noticeable difference in this simple recipe. Choose fresh, ripe figs that feel slightly soft, and use tahini with a smooth consistency and a mild, pleasant flavour.

A robust olive oil works particularly well, adding fruity and gently peppery notes that balance the sweetness of the figs and date syrup.

Avoid rushing the cooking process. Gentle heat allows the oats to soften gradually while retaining enough texture to make every spoonful satisfying.

With its combination of creamy grains, fresh fruit, crunchy nuts and aromatic olive oil, this Mediterranean porridge is an inviting breakfast that feels special enough for a leisurely weekend morning.