Bircher meusli

Easier to eat than regular meusli, and a cold alternative to porridge in the summer months.

Apparently it was “invented” by the Swiss doctor Maximilian Bircher-Benner, a pioneer of holistic health, who served it to patients in his sanitorium.

Update: Since I first posted this recipe in 2014, my method for making this has evolved. I now mix together the oats, milk, raisins, apple juice, apple, cinnamon and yogurt, along with a couple of tablespoons of chia seeds,  and leave it in the fridge overnight.

In the morning, I adjust the thickness with additional milk if necessary, garnish with fruit and nuts and drizzle with honey. I’ve dispensed with the lemon juice entirely.

Bircher meusli
(serves 4)

• 2 cups quick oats
• 1 cup semi-skim milk
•  1/4 cup raisins (or other dried fruit)
• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 2 Tb lemon juice
• 1 unpeeled apple, washed and grated
• 1 Tb honey
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• fresh fruit and nuts to top

1. Stir the oats, milk, raisins, apple juice and lemon juice together and leave overnight in the fridge.
2. In the morning, mix in the grated apple, honey, yogurt and cinnamon.
3. Top with chopped fruit and nuts before serving. (We went with strawberries, blueberries and toasted hazelnuts.)

Family score: 8 out of 10

Tags: apples, fruit, oatmeal, Swiss food, vegetarian, yogurt