It’s getting back to oatmeal season and I wanted to share a zucchini oatmeal recipe I’m really into! Also, I’ve also been adding the shredded zucchini into my pancake mix and it’s worked great! I do break out the food processor for this one and shred a whole bunch at once. I pack ziplock bags with a large handful of shredded zucchini and freeze it. I’ll either let it thaw or zap it in the microwave right before I add it to the recipe. You can certainly use a hand held box shredded for this too.

This oatmeal variation is an easy way to add in some veggies, especially if you’re just not a veggie fan (like my daughter). You can make a big batch of this in the instant pot or stove top. Just reheat with a little additional liquid in the morning. This has the most faint zucchini flavor. I’d say it’s pretty undetectable and you can barely see it either. I do make a point to tell my daughter that it’s in there, after she’s eaten it and liked it. I’m not trying to “hide” veggies, but encouraging eating them in a form she enjoys.
Here’s exactly how I make it for the week, but feel free to adjust quantities and ingredients to your liking!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of rolled oats (gluten free labeled ones if needed)
• 3 1/4 cups water
• Pinch of salt
• Raisins
• At least 1 cup packed, finely shredded zucchini
• 1-2 Tbs butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 Tbs maple syrup

Instructions (instant pot method):

1. Add the oats, water and salt, raisins and finely shredded zucchini to the instant pot
2. Set to cook for 0 minutes (not a typo) and then let the pressure release naturally for 10 mins
3. Open the lid and mix in the cinnamon, maple syrup and butter

For the stove top method, simply add the zucchini in at the start of cooking. You might want to decrease the liquid by 1/4 cup. Cook normally, according to the package.

Protein additions:

Oatmeal is primarily a carbohydrate, so I’m always looking for ways to balance this meal and increase the protein content. Here are some options that either mix into the oatmeal or can go along side. Depending on the version you choose, you may find a smaller portion of oatmeal is needed to make room for the other additions.

• After cooking, stir in some plain whey protein powder. This is my personal preference
• Add 3 Tbs of hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds
• In the last 2 minutes of cooking (stove top) add 4 eggs and keep mixing while cooking. I add 4 eggs when I make 2 cups of oats. For the instant pot, turn to manual cook for 2 mins after the 10 min pressure release
• Add a side of yogurt, milk, cheese, or high protein soy milk or other non dairy alternative
• Add an egg or two on the side. Hard boiled or however you prefer them
• Add some quality breakfast sausage on the side. Premade chicken or turkey sausages also work well
• I haven’t tried cooking this with soymilk or milk, but might be worth investigating
• Add a simple protein shake on the side