IMMUNE-BOOSTING PURPLE PROBIOTIC PORRIDE (Elderberry Kefir Overnight Oats)
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Elderberry Kefir Overnight Oats topped with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, beetroot-flavoured coconut chips, grain-free granola, and bee pollen.
With cold and flu season upon us, we all need to do what we can to boost our immunity and (hopefully) stay healthy. Obvious, I’m a big believer in good old-fashioned hand-washing and hygiene, but I also think it’s important to get proper sleep, reduce stress, exercise (and rest!) regularly, and nourish our bodies right!
Not only does this brekkie bowl look pretty, but it tastes great and is packed with antioxidants, fibre, healthy fats, protein, and immune-boosting probiotics and elderberries, too!
Elderberry has been used in traditional medicine for millennia for a variety of ailments, from burns to infections. Elderberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants including flavonols, anthocyanin, and phenolic acid. While more research is needed, studies suggest that elderberry extract may help support the immune system and reduce the length and severity of cold and flu symptoms.
For this recipe, I used elderberry crystals. The crystals are extremely versatile and easy to use. I love adding them to yogurt bowls, smoothies, chia pudding, popsicles, and oat bowls like this one.
Ingredients for 2 servings:
2/3 cup gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats
2 Tbsp chia seeds
2 Tbsp Nuzest Clean Lean Smooth Vanilla protein powder OR Further Food Vanilla Collagen Peptides (nonvegan) OR 1 Tbsp of each
2 Tbsp unsweetened desiccated coconut
2 scoops Flora Elderberry Crystals
3/4 cup unsweetened almond or nut-free milk, adjusted to desired consistency (see note below*)
1/2 cup kefir (coconut or other milk-based kefir)
Lakanto sugar-free monk fruit sweetener, pure stevia, date sugar, or sweetener of choice, adjusted to taste
optional toppings: berries, coconut chips, grain-free granola, bee pollen, or toppings of choice
*Note: This recipe makes a thick, creamy porridge. If a thinner consistency is preferred, increase milk to 1 cup.
Directions:
Put oats, chia seeds, protein and/or collagen powder, coconut, and elderberry crystals into a bowl or single serving mason jars and mix together.
Add almond milk and kefir and stir well to combine. Sweeten to taste.
Cover and refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 6 hours.
In the morning, stir and add additional sweetener and/or non-dairy milk for desired taste and consistency. Serve chilled with your choice of toppings.
Elderberry Kefir Overnight Oats can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 5 days.