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Protein porridge with banana and cocoa

Generated illustration of protein porridge with banana and cocoa, not a photograph of the dish
Illustration generated on this site's own computer. Not a photograph of the finished dish.

Porridge cooked in milk with cocoa, then whey stirred in off the heat so it does not clump, topped with banana. A warm breakfast with the protein of a shake.

  • Ready in8 minutes
  • Prep2 min
  • Cook6 min
  • Serves1

Per serving

  • 448Calories
  • 39gProtein
  • 67gCarbs
  • 5gFat
  • 10gFibre

How this fits your own daily target

Ingredients

  • 50 g rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
  • 200 ml skimmed milk
  • 1 scoop whey protein powder
  • 80 g bananas
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder

Method

  1. Put the oats, milk and cocoa in a small pan and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring.
  2. Cook for four to five minutes, stirring often, until thick. Take the pan off the heat.
  3. Let it cool for a minute, then stir in the protein powder a little at a time until smooth. Adding it while the porridge is boiling makes it grainy.
  4. Slice the banana over the top and serve.

What this plate gives you

A scoop of whey turns a bowl of porridge from 15 g of protein into 39 g, which is the highest of the breakfasts and more than two thirds of the 56 g a day the RDA gives a 70 kg adult. The oats and banana supply the 67 g of carbohydrate and 10 g of fibre; the fat is 5 g, the lowest of any cooked breakfast here. The one rule of cooking it: stir the whey in off the heat. Boiled whey clumps and tastes of egg.

Swaps

  • Soy or pea protein for the whey: the same protein, dairy-free, a slightly grainier bowl.
  • Berries for the banana: about 40 calories fewer and a little more fibre.
  • Whole milk for skimmed: about 60 more calories and a creamier porridge.

Keeping it

Porridge keeps. Cool it, refrigerate within two hours and eat within three to four days (the USDA FSIS leftovers rule). It sets solid in the fridge; reheat with a splash of milk and stir.