Chocolate Zucchini Oatmeal

This recipe was born on a Friday morning when the cupboards and fridge were nearly bare…but breakfast still had to be made.

They say the only 2 things for sure in life are death and taxes. I beg to differ. I think there are 3 things in life that are for sure: death, taxes and your children waking up STARVING for breakfast when you have literally no idea what to make them and minimal ingredients to work with. 

It just goes to show you, amazing things can happen when desperation hits….like Chocolate Zucchini Oatmeal.

I have always been a bit of a bit of a chocoholic. Chocolate just gets me….and I love it for that.

However, I spent the longest time denying myself chocolate, talking myself out of eating it; straight-up telling myself that it couldn’t be part of a healthy diet. 

Man, was I wrong. Dead wrong. And I am so grateful for that!

You see, some chocolate is downright terrible for you. Most of the chocolate that is commercially prepared these days is loaded with additives, preservatives and weird ingredients that really have no place being in chocolate. The next time you get a chocolate craving and hit CVS for a candy bar, turn that sucker over and read the ingredients. You’ll see what I mean and likely be equally as appalled as I am.

Which is a bummer, because chocolate actually can be quite good for you. 

Yes, I know what I just said. And I’m totally telling you the truth. You can pick your jaws up off the ground and keep reading. 

You see, when chocolate is prepared correctly, it can actually do awesome things for your body! Especially your heart. We have all been hearing for years that dark chocolate is good for our tickers, but do any of us know exactly why? Maybe you do, but I sure had to look it up! So here is the deal

Cocoa (the main ingredient in chocolate) expands the blood vessels in the heart and helps all that lovely blood of yours flow through with ease. That’s definitely something that I want to promote in my body, since a relaxed and properly working heart is something we all need. So bring on that chocolate!

So, last Friday when I was faced with an empty kitchen and a hungry kiddo, I did something drastic and I reached for the chocolate. Well, and the one lone zucchini chilling in the fridge. And fine, the oatmeal too. Because that was pretty much all I had left in the house. But that was all I needed to make an awesomely delicious and veggie-loaded breakfast that my daughter (and husband) devoured. And I do mean, devoured…and then demanded for breakfast for the next 3 days in a row before I cut her off and told her Mama needed some eggs in her life.

But, I figure that if the kiddo loves this veggie-loaded Chocolate Zucchini Oatmeal, well, that’s a good sign that I have one winning recipe that you all need in your life!

If chocolate zucchini is your magic flavor combination, check out One-Bowl Paleo Chocolate Zucchini Muffins! Your wont regret it!

Love veggie-loaded recipes as much as I do? Check out my ebook, Veggie-Loaded Love, for oodles of veggie-packed recipes…including Flourless Chocolate Protein Muffins (with hidden greens) that will change your breakfast game….even with those picky eaters!

Suggested Adaptations

1. Use rolled oats. Reduce liquid amount to 2 cups and simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes!

2. No zucchini? Grated carrot works beautifully in this recipe as well!

3. Not a chocolate fan? Skip the cacao powder and still enjoy a delicious veggie-loaded breakfast!

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Chocolate Zucchini Oatmeal

by Taesha Butler (The Natural Nurturer) February-13-2018

Oh. My. Gosh. Guys, if you have been looking for the *perfect* veggie-loaded breakfast recipe to feed your kids (and yourself), hold onto your hats….because I am about to bring you Chocolate Zucchini Oatmeal! Seriously SO easy I manage to make it on the most sleep deprived of mornings and oh-so kid-friendly plus…yeah, there are veggies in there! 

Ingredients

• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 2 1/2 cups liquid of choice (water is fine to use. For a creamier texture, you can use almond milk or coconut milk. Or half water and half milk if you like)
• 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini
• 1/4 cup cacao or unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup or to taste honey or maple syrup

Instructions

The night before, put your oats in a medium pot. Cover with water and allow the oats to soak overnight. In the morning, drain the oats. This is an OPTIONAL step, but one I suggest to help with digestion. Combine all ingredients in a medium sauce pan, mixing a few times to incorporate everything. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower heat and simmer UNCOVERED for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.Once done cooking, garnish with nuts, nut butter, sliced fruit of choice, shredded coconut, or chia seeds

Details

Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 20 mins Total time: 25 mins Yield: 4 servings

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