This nourishing breakfast dish was pioneered in 1900 by Dr. Maximilian Bircher-Brenner for patients in his Swiss sanatorium, where a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables was an essential part of therapy.
(Recipe from: Zest for Life, The Mediterranean Anti-Cancer Diet)
In contrast with most conventional packaged breakfast cereals, the bulk of this dish comes from fresh fruit, with grains, nuts and yogurt playing tasty supporting roles. Another advantage over dry, boxed cereal lies in the fact that the oats and seeds are soaked in water and lemon juice overnight, making them easier to digest. Its wealth of healthy fats, fiber, protein, minerals, vitamins and healthy bacteria makes this a very satisfying and nutritious start to the day. Serves 2.
- 4 tbsp whole oats or mixed cereal flakes (barley, spelt, rye, wheat)
- 2 tsp of pumpkin or sunflower seeds
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 8 tbsp water
- 4 tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 tsp acacia honey
- 1 large or 2 small organic apples, grated
- a pinch of cinnamon, finely grated lemon zest (untreated) or freshly grated ginger
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts (e.g. hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts)
- 1-1½ cup chopped seasonal fruit (raspberries, strawberries, apricots, peaches, pears, bananas, etc.) or ½ cup dried fruit (apricots, apples, figs, raisins, goji berries, etc.)
Combine oats, seeds, lemon juice and water in a container and soak overnight in the refrigerator, tightly covered. If using dried fruits, soak these with the oats to soften them.
Just before eating, add yogurt, honey, grated apple and spices and stir well to combine. If it seems too dry, add some more water or a little milk.
Scatter with freshly cut seasonal fruit and chopped nuts.
This You Tube video shows me making Bircher Muesli:
