Are you ever in a mood for a sweet start to your day (who isn’t? :)?

And if chocolate, give this recipe a try!

Oats are on repeat in our house, whether in summer (overnight bowls) or winter (warm). Oats provide protein, fiber and are a slow-releasing complex carbohydrate, which means that we feel fuller for longer and our blood sugar doesn’t go up too quickly to crash on us later in the day. 50-60g of oats (approximate portion) provides us with around 8g of protein and around 6g of fiber. Oats are also a great source of folate, which is a natural form of folic acid – so necessary during pregnancy – and Omega 3.

Coconut flakes add extra healthy fat and also different texture to the creamy porridge. The taste is quite subtle, but you can always add more if you like 😋.  To make the oats extra rich in protein, I used my favorite protein powder in chocolate flavor (Form Nutrition). You can use any good quality chocolate or unflavored protein powder. If you don’t have any powders handy, you can just an extra spoon of hemp seeds (they are a wonderful source of protein).

WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE

• protein and fiber packed chocolate goodness, that will keep you fuelled for hours
• different textures experience thanks to mixed in seeds and coconut flakes
• fiber and Omega 3 rich start to the day
• a healthy portion of great antioxidants (raw cacao and cacao nibs)
• easy to make it your own version by swapping seeds or adding favorite toppings

Note: I rarely measure my oats and chia seeds amounts I put in, as I usually make a big pot of porridge for the whole family or extra portions for the next day. Roughly, think of 2-3 tablespoons of dry chia seeds per 6-7 tablespoons of oats.Portion: yields approx. 2 big portions.Time: approx. 10-15 minutes (if you soak the oats, add extra time – see below*)

Ingredients

• 1 cup of oats
• 2 tbsp of chia seeds
• pinch of salt
• 2 tbsp of raw cacao nibs
• 2 tbsp of pumpkin seeds
• 1/3 cup of coconut flakes (or desiccated coconut
• )1 tbsp of shelled hemp seeds
• 2 tbsp of raw cacao (or cocoa)
• 1 scoop of protein powder (chocolate preferred)
• 1/4 tsp of cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2- 1 tbsp of honey or maple syrup (add more if your protein is unflavored, not using any or you want extra sweetness)
• water, milk as needed (use equal amounts to start with; I use plant-based Oatly)

Method

*If you have time, soak the oats together with chia seeds, cacao nibs, and pumpkin seeds overnight or at least for 30 min before cooking. It will give the porridge some extra creaminess!

1. Put oats, chia seeds, coconut flakes, cacao nibs and pumpkin seeds in a pot and cover with equal parts of water and milk. Add salt and heat up on a stove.
2. Warm up until the mixture starts to bubble a bit; at that point, you may want to lower the heat not to burn the pot. Keep adding milk or water as needed – the porridge mixture will soak up a lot of liquid and you want it to stay moist at all times.
3. When the porridge softened a bit, add the coconut flakes and hemp seeds. Stir to combine everything well.
4. Next add cacao powder and protein powder, if using. Stir again and add honey/ maple syrup.
5. Continue stirring and adding milk as needed for the porridge to stay moist. Add cinnamon if using and extra honey for more sweetness.
6. Serve with your favorite toppings. I love to go for a sliced banana, berries, pumpkin seeds and/or cacao nibs and a spoon of nut butter (basically everything in my pantry!).

Enjoy and share your creations over on Instagram! 💙