Name: High Protein Courgette Porridge (Low Calorie, Creamy u0026amp; Filling Breakfast)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Ingredients: 50g oats; ½ courgette (zucchini), grated; 1 scoop of cinnamon danish protein powder (or your fave flavor); A splash of water or milk; Your favorite toppings (I always add some melted chocolate)

If you’ve never heard of courgette (that’s zucchini for my American friends!) in porridge before… don’t knock it ‘til you try it! It may sound a little strange, but this little trick is a game-changer especially if you want a bigger, fluffier bowl of oats without adding lots of calories.

I started making courgette porridge when I was on a diet, but I loved it so much, I never stopped. It makes your oats double in size, and the best part? You can’t even taste the courgette!

Let’s get into the how and why, and of course the yummiest toppings ever.

Method (In Detail):

Grating the Courgette

The first step is to grate your courgette. I use about half a medium courgette, which adds only around 30 calories to the whole bowl pretty amazing, right? If you’re someone who doesn’t like the little green bits or prefers a smoother texture, I suggest using the fine (zest) side of your grater. This creates soft, tiny shreds that melt right into the oats during cooking. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit of texture and a slight crunch, the regular side of the grater works just fine too.

Mixing with Oats

Once your courgette is grated, add it to a saucepan or a microwave-safe bowl along with 50g of oats. I love using this trick because the courgette bulks up the oats and makes the bowl feel so much more satisfying. At this stage, give everything a quick stir to combine the grated veg evenly with your oats.

Adding Liquid

Now it’s time to add your liquid. You can use either water or milk, depending on your preference. If you want it extra creamy, milk (or even a plant-based option like almond or oat milk) is the way to go. Don’t go overboard though just enough liquid to fully soak the oats and courgette will do. You’re aiming for a creamy texture, not soup!

Cooking the Porridge

Place the saucepan over medium heat on the stove, or pop the bowl into the microwave. If using the stovetop, stir gently but regularly as it cooks for about 5 to 8 minutes. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. If you’re using the microwave, cook in 2-minute bursts, stirring well between each round. This way, you keep control over the texture and make sure nothing overflows. The porridge is done when it looks thick, creamy, and the oats are fully cooked through.

Cooling Before Adding Protein Powder

Once cooked, remove your porridge from the heat and let it cool for a minute or two. This is super important if you’re using protein powder! If the porridge is too hot, the powder can clump up and create weird little lumps. Once it’s just warm, not boiling, stir in your protein powder. I use a scoop of cinnamon danish flavor, which makes the whole bowl smell and taste like dessert. But feel free to use whatever flavor you love most.

Time to Top It Off!

Pour your finished porridge into a serving bowl and now comes the fun part toppings! You can go wild here. My personal favorite combo includes nut butter, fresh fruits like berries or banana slices, and (of course!) a drizzle of melted chocolate. It turns this already yummy bowl into a treat that feels totally indulgent.

Necessary Tools:

Grater (use the fine side if you don’t like crunchy bits)
Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
Spoon or whisk
Measuring scale or cup
Bowl for serving