Chocolate Zucchini Oats

Gooey, chocolaty oats with hidden greens. An indulgent, yet nutritious way to start your day.

You might think this can't possibly taste good? Fear not, you will not taste the zucchini, but you will gain all the nutritional benefits.

HIDDEN GREENS

Adding greens to your breakfast is a good way to get in more daily greens. Whether it's adding leafy greens to your breakfast smoothie or wilted greens as a side to your tofu scramble. Don't be put off by the idea of adding greens to your breakfast.

In this recipe we will be adding grated zucchini.

I promise you will not taste the zucchini. However, if the zucchini is not cooked long enough, you might notice the texture. Therefor make sure to cook the zucchini until it is soft.

ZUCCHINI

Also known as courgette or baby marrow, is mild tasting (almost mildly sweet) and comes in varies colours, from yellow to dark green.

They are rich in various nutrients and antioxidants which help protect our bodies from damage by free radicals. Other benefits include protection against certain types of cancer and benefit eye, skin and heart health.

They may promote a healthy digestion and aid weight loss as they are low in calories, but high in fiber.

If you are keen to try more sweet recipes with added greens why not try one of these:

chocolate zucchini cake

super green thick smoothie

kale and mango green smoothie

SERVE WITH

HEALTHY CHOCOLATE SAUCE

I love adding my healthy chocolate sauce to my cooked oats. It adds a deep, rich chocolate flavour without being sweet and makes the oats even creamier. To make the sauce simply mix 1 heaped teaspoon with 3 teaspoons of very hot water. Mix until the cacao has dissolved and not lumpy. Now add more water if needed or add a liquid sweetener such as maple syrup or agave if you want a sweet chocolate sauce.

CRUNCH

Add a bit of crunch with chopped nuts or homemade granola, such as this CHOCOLATE ALMOND GRANOLA or my current obsession ZINGY CHOCOLATE & LIME GRANOLA.

FRUIT

Berries such as blueberries or raspberries are a delicious addition to cooked oats and are a natural sweetener. I also love adding mashed banana or banana slices for sweetness and extra nutrition.

MORE DELICIOUS BREAKFAST IDEAS

salted dark chocolate & almond oats

blood orange & chocolate oats

tiramisu chia pudding

lemon blueberry "cheesecake" oats

CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI OATS

Gooey, chocolaty oats with hidden greens. An indulgent, yet nutritious way to start your day.

SERVES: 1

TIME: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 40g rolled oats, gluten-free if needed

• 1 small zucchini (courgette), grated

• 1 tbsp cacao powder

• 1 tsp maca powder

• pinch of salt

• 170ml water/oat milk (or as needed)

TO SERVE (optional)

• cacao nibs

• toasted hazelnuts

• healthy chocolate sauce (1 tsp cacao powder mixed with 3 - 4 tsp hot water. Replace 1 tsp with liquid sweetener if you prefer a sweeter breakfast)

• a sweetener such as mashed banana (mixed into the oats), maple syrup or agave.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring the oats and water/oat milk to boil.

2. Add the rest of the ingredients, give a good stir and reduce the heat to low.

3. Cover with a lid.

4. Cook for 8 - 10 minutes or to your liking. Stirring occasionally and add more liquid as needed.

HAVE YOU MADE THIS?

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