Chocolate, Banana and Walnut Porridge with No Added Sugar

OK, so as you can see, I'm adding to the 'oats arsenal' with healthy breakfasts - I figure most people like chocolate, right?

Seeing as I've been quite inventive with oats the last few days, I decided to start keeping a record of what I've been making. Especially as it's what I consider to be pretty healthy breakfasts (especially in comparison to a lot of cereals 'out of the box' marketed at children).

Now, chocolate porridge is never going to be the most attractive-looking food, but this really does taste good! Plus, you can always try and pretty it up by scattering on a few toppings.

Serves two, 363 calories per serving - to reduce the calories, leave out the walnuts and dates, and it will go down to 244 calories per serving.

Ingredients
[Calories in square brackets]

• 80g rolled porridge oats (gluten free if necessary) [312]
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened), or to taste [28]
• 350ml almond milk (or use semi-skimmed and increase the calories to 175, or your favourite milk) [49]
• 250ml water
• 20g dates (dried and stoned - about four), finely chopped [59]
• 25g walnuts, chopped [179]
• 1 medium banana (95g), thoroughly mashed  [98]

Method

1. Mix the oats with the cocoa powder.
2. Add the milk, water dates and walnuts and gently bring to a simmer. Cook over a low heat, stirring, for 5 minutes (or as per oats instructions), until thick and creamy.

3. Stir in the mashed banana, and serve. Enjoy!