Pear Ginger Farina with Chia

Pear Ginger Farina with Chia is a practical, plant-forward breakfast with no butter, dairy cream, cheese, meat, eggs, or added oil. It uses fruit, spices, and seeds to build flavor around the grain, and finishes with chia for texture and fiber.

Recipe at a glance

• Prep: 5 minutes
• Cook: 9 minutes
• Total: 14 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

½×1×2×3×4×5×6×7×8×9×10×

ⓘ Original recipe (1×) yields 4 servings

• 1/2 cup (45 g) dry farina (cream of wheat or semolina farina)?
• 2 cups (480 ml) water or unsweetened oat milk
• 1 ripe pear, cored and diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: pinch of salt and fresh lemon zest to brighten

Heart-health recipe tip

Heart-health rating: 5 of 5 hearts. This recipe contains no meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, or cooking oil, so it receives the highest plant-forward heart score under the site guideline. However, if you add oil or butter, deduct one heart. For an oil-free option, use extra water or unsweetened plant milk to adjust texture.

Instructions

1. First, combine the diced pear, ground ginger, cardamom, and 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the water or oat milk in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 3 minutes to soften the pear and release flavor.
2. Next, add the remaining 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) liquid and bring to a gentle boil.
3. Slowly whisk in the farina. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring often, for 3–5 minutes until the porridge is thick and creamy. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of hot water or plant milk.
4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and chia seeds, and let sit 1 minute to thicken. Finally, taste and add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon if desired. Divide between bowls and serve warm.

Why this recipe works

Pear adds natural sweetness so you can skip added sugar. Ginger and cardamom bring aroma and a warm, bright note, while chia adds texture and slow-release fiber. In addition, using water or unsweetened oat milk keeps the bowl creamy without dairy.

Variations

• Adjust thickness with additional hot water or unsweetened plant milk.
• Use fresh or frozen pears; if frozen, add them with the liquid and simmer a minute longer.
• For more fiber, add 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or a handful of berries.
• Swap pear for apple or cooked pumpkin for seasonal variation.
• If you add a drizzle of nut butter or maple syrup, note this changes the heart score because it introduces a fat or added sugar; instead, use mashed banana for sweetness if you prefer to keep it oil-free.

Save Time

• Measure the ingredients and prepare the produce before cooking so the recipe comes together without pauses.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or plant milk, stirring until smooth. Add fresh fruit or a squeeze of lemon after reheating to refresh the flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Estimated per serving: About 205 calories, 6 g protein, 43 g carbohydrate, 6 g fiber, 3 g fat, and 25 mg sodium. Values vary by brand and substitutions. Therefore, use label data for precise tracking.

More farina recipes

1. Berry Flax Farina Breakfast Bowl
2. Apple Cinnamon Farina with Raisins
3. Savory Spinach Tomato Farina
4. Pumpkin Spice Farina with Banana

For more breakfast grain ideas and guidance, visit The Nutrient home and explore similar recipes.

Explore the heart-conscious breakfast grain series

• Oatmeal and Heart Health
• Farina and Heart Health
• Grits and Heart Health
• 10 Things That Make a Breakfast Heart-Healthy

↑ Back to top