Protein porridge

Protein porridge

10 min
Start your day right with our rich protein porridge! This recipe brings together the comforting texture of rolled oats and the creamy taste of vanilla-flavoured cottage cheese. The warmth of cardamom and the pop of blueberries add depth to every spoonful. Topped with sweet bananas, crunchy pistachios, and a smooth peanut butter drizzle, this high-protein porridge goes beyond a simple breakfast. It's a treat that delights your taste buds and keeps you going on busy days.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/protein-porridge/

Instructions

  • Boil oatmeal, milk, chia seeds, cardamom and salt for about 3 minutes. Stir in blueberries.
  • Place in bowls and top with cottage cheese, banana, nuts and peanut butter.
Enjoy!

Questions about protein porridge

Master the art of the perfect protein porridge as we answer common questions about this colourful dish below. From making it part of your weekly meal prep routine to the best ways to store it, use these insights to master your preparation techniques.

Can I use fresh blueberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Compared to frozen blueberries, fresh ones will add a burst of juicy sweetness and a slightly firmer texture. Frozen blueberries also tend to blend in more with the porridge, adding a cooler, creamier element. To replicate this with fresh blueberries, simply add them to the porridge sooner, cooking them into the porridge as opposed to stirring them in at the end.
Can I freeze protein porridge?
Yes. After cooking, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The porridge can be kept in the freezer for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to restore its creamy consistency. Add the fresh toppings as usual and enjoy!
Can I prepare this recipe in advance to save time?
Yes, protein porridge is a great way to meal prep for the week ahead. Follow the recipe as directed, then let it cool and store in individual portions in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of extra water to achieve the desired consistency. It’s best to add the toppings fresh, especially the banana slices with will discolour over time.

Ingredients

Rolled oats
50 g
300 ml
Chia seeds
1 tbsp
Freshly ground cardamom seeds
½ tsp
Salt
1 pinch
Frozen blueberries
140 g
Toppings
Cottage cheese (vanilla-flavoured if available)
250 g
Sliced bananas
2
Roasted pistachios
3 tbsp
Peanut butter
2 tbsp

Soak your ingredients overnight for a quick start to the morning

Soaking your oats and chia seeds overnight in the milk is a convenient way to save time on busy morning. It allows the ingredients to absorb the liquid, resulting in a creamier and well-integrated texture. When you’re ready for your snack, simply heat the pre-soaked ingredients on the stove or in the microwave, add the toppings, and enjoy!

Choose the right oats for the perfect consistency

Rolled oats works best for this recipe. They cook quickly and evenly, while providing a luxurious creamy texture. Avoid using quick oats, as they can become mushy, as well as steel cut oats which require a much longer soaking or cooking time to soften.

Use the microwave for a quick protein porridge

If you're short on time, you can use the microwave to make your protein porridge. Combine the oats, milk, chia seeds, cardamom, and salt in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the mixture thickens and cooks evenly.

Protein porridge: not just for breakfast!

Protein porridge isn't just for breakfast. It makes a great snack to keep you going at any time of day. Enjoy it as a relaxed brunch, a post-workout pick-me-up, or even a comforting dinner option. Why not switch things up by pairing it with other snacks, aiming to add a variety in textures, temperatures and consistencies?

Our quick ice cream recipe is a refreshing addition, offering blueberry, strawberry and pineapple flavours that work well with the creamy peanut butter and fresh bananas of your protein porridge. A plate of oatmeal protein cookies adds a welcome crunch to your snacking experience, while a frosty protein milk or raspberry smoothie offers a cool contrast to quench your thirst.

Selecting the right ingredients for flavour and texture

Select high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavour and texture of your porridge. Use fresh, fragrant cardamom and ripe, sweet bananas. Fresh chia seeds are also important to get this recipe’s texture just right. Check for colour, aroma and texture. Fresh chia seeds should appear uniformly dark brown or black, have a mild, nutty scent, and should feel dry and firm to the touch.

Lesser-known preparation techniques

For a unique twist, toast the oats lightly before cooking, which adds a subtle nuttiness and enhances their natural flavour. You can also bloom the chia seeds in a small amount of warm water before incorporating them into the porridge mixture. This technique can help achieve a smoother texture and ensure the chia seeds absorb liquid evenly. Additionally, you can blend a portion of the porridge mixture after cooking to create a creamier consistency while still maintaining some texture from the whole oats. These alternative methods offer creative ways to elevate your protein porridge.

Spice up your porridge with cardamom

Adding a pinch of ground cardamom to your protein porridge introduces a warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweetness of the blueberries and bananas. Cardamom pairs wonderfully with the nutty flavours of the oats and the creamy cottage cheese topping.

Easy and effective presentation ideas

Present your protein porridge in a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the toppings. Arrange the sliced bananas, cottage cheese, and blueberries in neat sections. Sprinkle the roasted pistachios and drizzle the peanut butter over the top. Garnish with a few extra blueberries or a sprig of mint for a visually appealing touch.