Winter Breakfast Recipes: 5 Protein-Rich Meals to Kick off Your Day

Looking for some delicious and nutritious winter breakfast recipes? Here are five protein-rich meals that will keep you warm and energized all day long.

Winter is here, and it’s time to start your cozy mornings with some warm and comforting breakfasts. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your health and nutrition. In fact, breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as it sets the tone for your energy levels, metabolism, and mood. And one of the key nutrients you need to include in your breakfast is protein.

But how much protein do you need in the morning? According to the Mayo Clinic, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. However, this may vary depending on your age, activity level, and health goals. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 20 to 30 grams of protein per breakfast. 

To help you get started, we have compiled a list of five delicious and nutritious winter breakfast recipes that are packed with protein. Whether you want vegan protein, vegetarian, or non-veg, these foods with protein recipes will suit your taste buds and dietary preferences. Let’s get cooking!

Note from Team OZiva: 

In the 5 recipes mentioned below, add 1 scoop of OZiva Organic Plant Protein to it to make it even more rich in protein! Our plant protein contains 30g protein from Pea Protein, Brown Rice and Quinoa. It is a complete vegan protein rich with 5.5 Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs), and is great for everyday fitness, boosting energy and improving your immunity. 

#1 Dil Moong Cheela with Amla Chutney

This is a traditional Indian breakfast that is made with moong dal, which is a type of split yellow lentil. Moong dal is high in plant protein, fiber, iron, and folate, and has a mild and nutty flavor.  

Amla, or amalaki, is a superfood that is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds. It can help boost your immunity, digestion, and skin health. 

To make this recipe, you will need:

• 1 cup of moong dal, soaked overnight and drained
• 1/4 cup of water
• Salt, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of cumin powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder
• Oil, for greasing
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup of chopped onion
• 1/4 cup of chopped tomato
• For the amla chutney:
• 4 amla, boiled and deseeded
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled
• 1 inch of ginger, peeled and chopped
• Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1 scoop of OZiva Organic Plant Protein

Instructions:

• Blend the moong dal, water, salt, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder until smooth and frothy. Transfer the batter to a bowl and set aside.
• To make the amla chutney, add the amla, green chilies, garlic, ginger, salt, and sugar to a blender and blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
• In a nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and add a ladleful of batter. Spread it evenly into a thin circle. Cook for a few minutes, then flip it and cook for another minute, or until golden and crisp. Keep warm and repeat with the remaining batter.
• To serve, place a cheela on a plate and sprinkle some cilantro, mint, onion, and tomato over one-half. Fold the other half over and cut into wedges. Serve with the amla chutney and enjoy!

Add Your Own Twist: Want to make the dil moong cheela with amla chutney extra special? You can try using different types of lentils, such as urad dal, chana dal, or masoor dal, to vary the texture and flavor of the cheela.

How To Store: To store the leftover cheela and chutney, you can keep them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Heat them on a skillet over low heat or microwave them for a few minutes to reheat.

#2 Spinach Mushroom Omelette

This is a classic breakfast that is high in protein, low in carbs, and full of flavor. Eggs are one of the best sources of protein, as they contain all the essential amino acids that your body needs. They are also rich in choline, which is important for brain health, and lutein and zeaxanthin, which are good for your eyes. 

Spinach and mushrooms add more nutrients, such as iron, vitamin A, vitamin C, and selenium, as well as fiber and antioxidants.

To make this recipe, you will need:

• 2 tablespoons of milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1/4 cup of sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup of chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup of shredded cheese of your choice
• 1 scoop of OZiva Organic Plant Protein 

Instructions:

• In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add 1 scoop of your plant protein. Set aside.
• Using a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and sauté the mushrooms for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and tender. Add the spinach and cook for another 5 minutes, until wilted. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
• Pour the egg mixture into the same skillet and swirl to coat the bottom. Cook for a few minutes, or until the edges are set. Sprinkle the cheese over half of the omelette and fold the other half over. Slide onto a plate and serve with the mushroom-spinach mixture on top or on the side. Enjoy!

Add Your Own Twist: To make the spinach mushroom omelette even tastier, you can use any kind of cheese you like, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta, to melt over the omelette. You can also add some bacon, ham, or sausage to the mushroom-spinach mixture for extra flavor and protein. 

How To Store: Store the leftover omelette by wrapping it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat it, you can microwave it for a few minutes, or bake it in the oven at 180°C for 10 to 15 minutes until hot.

#3 Paneer Bhurji 

This is a delicious and easy paneer recipe that is made with crumbled paneer, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices. Paneer is a fresh cheese that is high in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, which can help build and maintain your muscles and bones. The benefits of onions and tomatoes include providing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can boost your immunity and prevent infections. 

Bell pepper adds a crunch and a pop of color, as well as vitamin C, which can help your body absorb iron from paneer. As a spice blend that is commonly used in Indian cuisine, garam masala adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the dish, as well as some health benefits such as improving digestion, lowering blood pressure, and fighting inflammation. Adding kasuri methi, or dried fenugreek leaves, gives a hint of bitterness and a distinctive fragrance that complements the paneer. 

To make this recipe, you will need: 

• 200 grams of paneer, crumbled
• 1 ½ tablespoons of oil
• ½ teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 green chili, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of ginger garlic paste
• 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
• ¼ cup of bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon of turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ¾ teaspoon of red chili powder
• ¾ teaspoon of garam masala powder
• ½ teaspoon of kasuri methi
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons of coriander leaves, finely chopped
• 1 scoop of OZiva Organic Plant Protein 

Instructions:

• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil and add the cumin seeds. Once they crackle, add the onion, green chili, and ginger garlic paste and sauté for about 10 minutes, until the onion is golden brown. 
• Add the tomato, bell pepper, turmeric, salt, red chili powder, and garam masala powder and cook for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato is soft and the oil separates from the masala. Add 1 scoop of your vegan protein powder here as well. 
• Add the paneer and kasuri methi and mix well. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the paneer is heated through and coated with the masala.
• Sprinkle the lemon juice and coriander leaves and toss gently. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy! 

Add Your Own Twist: For the paneer bhurji, you can use homemade paneer, store-bought paneer, or tofu. You can also add some other vegetables to the bhurji, such as peas, carrots, or mushrooms, to make it more nutritious and colourful.

How To Store: You can store leftover paneer bhurji in an airtight container for up to three days. You can reheat it by heating it in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until it is warm, adding more oil or water as needed.

#4 Millet Banana Smoothie

This is a creamy and filling smoothie that is made with millet, banana, almond milk, and cinnamon. Millet is a gluten-free grain that is high in protein, fiber, magnesium, and phosphorus. It can help lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. 

The potassium in bananas may help regulate your heart rate and blood pressure. Almond milk is a plant-based milk that is low in calories and high in calcium and vitamin E. Spices like cinnamon can add spice and flavor to smoothies, as well as reduce inflammation and blood sugar levels.

To make this recipe, you will need:

• 1/4 cup of millet, cooked
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup of almond milk
• 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
• Ice cubes, as needed
• 1 scoop of Organic Plant Protein 

Instructions:

• Add the millet, banana, almond milk, and cinnamon to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Ensure you add 1 scoop of your protein powder for men or protein powder for women here as well! 
• Add ice cubes if you want a thicker and colder consistency.
• Pour into a glass and enjoy!

Add Your Own Twist: Using any kind of milk to mix with the millet and banana for a millet banana smoothie, you can enhance the flavor and aroma of the beverage, such as cow’s milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Cocoa powder, vanilla extract, or nutmeg can also be added to the smoothie to enhance its flavor. 

How To Store: You can keep leftover smoothies in the refrigerator for up to a day if you pour them into a glass jar or bottle. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, or you can thaw it overnight and blend it again before drinking.

#5 Peanut Butter Oatmeal

This is a hearty and satisfying oatmeal that is made with oats, peanut butter, milk, and maple syrup. Oats are whole grains that are high in protein, fiber, and beta-glucan, which can help lower your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. The benefits of peanut butter include an increase in fullness and satisfaction, as well as improved blood flow to the brain and heart.

As a dairy product that is high in protein, calcium, and vitamin D, milk can help strengthen your bones and teeth and prevent osteoporosis. Adding maple syrup to oatmeal adds a touch of sweetness and flavor, as well as adding manganese, zinc, and antioxidants.

To make this recipe, you will need:

• 1/2 cup of rolled oats
• 1 cup of milk of your choice
• 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (You can try out OZiva’s range of peanut butters, which are 100% vegan, cholesterol-free and great for giving you energy)
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

• In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the oats, milk, and salt to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats are soft and creamy.
• Stir in the peanut butter and maple syrup and mix well. Transfer to a bowl and enjoy!

Add Your Own Twist: For the peanut butter oatmeal, you can use any kind of oatmeal you like, such as steel-cut oats, quick oats, or instant oats, to cook with the milk and salt. You can also add some other toppings to the oatmeal, such as sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips, to make it more delicious and satisfying. 

How To Store: You can store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container for up to three days. You can reheat it by heating it in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until it is warm, adding more milk as needed.

Conclusion

These are some of the winter breakfast recipes that are high in protein and delicious. They are easy to make, use simple ingredients, and will keep you warm and energized all day long. Try them out and let us know what you think. Bon appétit!