Soft Herb & Chive Cottage Cheese on Rye

Cottage cheese is having a moment. It's high in protein, naturally fermented (if you buy the live culture kind), and incredibly versatile. Mixed with fresh herbs and piled onto dark rye bread, it's a breakfast that takes three minutes and keeps you full for hours.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 2 slices of dark rye bread or pumpernickel
• 150g cottage cheese (full-fat, live culture if possible)
• A handful of fresh chives and parsley, chopped
• Black pepper
• A squeeze of lemon juice

Method:

1. Toast the rye bread lightly.
2. Mix the cottage cheese with the herbs, black pepper, and lemon juice.
3. Pile generously onto the toast.
4. Eat immediately.

Why it's gut-friendly: Cottage cheese is a fermented dairy product, providing probiotics. Rye bread is rich in fibre, particularly arabinoxylan, which feeds good gut bacteria. Herbs add freshness and digestive support.