Blueberry and Acai Overnight Oats

Serves 5

How on earth did I survive well into my 38th year of life without ever experiencing the wonder that is Overnight Oats?  I have a history of being perpetually late to the party, both literally and metaphorically speaking.  The main trends which I swore blind I would never ever succumb to were converse trainers, belt bags and using beans in desserts.  Needless to say I’m a black bean-brownie-loving, converse-wearing, belt-bag-rocking fiend! And I am also so late to the overnight oats party that I feel almost silly posting this recipe now, but it is such a good’un, I just couldn’t resist.

This delicious and nutritious breakfast takes a mere 5 minutes of prep time the night before and is ready to grab ‘n go the next morning. This has become an absolute staple in our house and a god-send on those inevitably frantic weekday mornings. Plus, there’s the added bonus of the fact that the kids love to help me make it in the afternoon when they get back from school too.  I switch up the fruit seasonally, but using summer berries is my absolute favourite version.  It lasts for several days in the fridge so is the gift that keeps on giving for the whole family to enjoy.  Plus, it heats up nicely if you are more partial to a hot breakfast instead.

As well as wholegrain oats, seeds and dried berries, I also used a pre-cooked Super Seed Quinoa pouch from Merchant Gourmet.  I find I use one of their grain or lentil pouches almost on a daily basis, whether it be to sprinkle them into a salad to make it more substantial and filling, or into a soup for some added fibre and protein. But this is a great way to add some quinoa to your diet without actually being able to taste it!

I like to enjoy the overnight oats with a big dollop of nut butter and it serves as a quick and easy breakfast that is as tasty as it is healthy. It is very allergy friendly because it just so happens to be vegan and gluten-free, with no added sugar. One portion provides 383 calories, 15g of plant-based protein and a quarter of my daily fibre requirements.

INGREDIENTS

·     1 packet (250g) Merchant Gourmet Super Seeds with Quinoa and Chia
·     100g Wholegrain Oats
·     300g Frozen Blueberries
·     60g Dried Blueberries
·     60g Pumpkin Seeds
·     480ml Milk (I used Oat Milk) 

Optional but recommended

·     20g Unflavoured Unsweetened Protein Powder
·     2 tsp Superfood Powder (I used Acai Powder) 

METHOD

·     Simply combine all of the ingredients in a large Tupperware.
·     Put the lid on and keep in the fridge overnight.
·     Serve with some nut butter and enjoy! 

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Calories – 383
Protein –15g
Fat – 15g
Carbohydrates – 45g
Fibre – 7g