I have always loved banana breads, especially when I was living abroad. However all the banana breads i came across had to include wheat, gluten and refined sugars. I am so pleased to make my own guiltless banana bread at home and I hope that you will enjoy it as well :)
Recipe (One Loaf)
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
3 medium ripe bananas (make sure they are extra ripe)
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup honey (maple syrup for vegan)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1TBSP chia seeds mixed in 3TBSP water (stir in a bowl and leave it for 15 minutes-this is a replacement of one egg)
Dry Ingredients:
1 cup of oat flour (blended oats)
1 cup of almond flour (blended almonds)
1/4 cup of pecan flour (blended pecans)
1 tsp of baking powder (aluminium free)
1/2 tsp of baking soda (yeast free)
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
Method
- Pre heat oven to 150c.
- Add all wet ingredients into a bowl and mix well.
- Add all the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients except for the walnuts.
- Mix everything well.
- Add in the chopped walnuts and pour batter into a loaf pan (lined with parchment paper).
- Spread even with a spatula.
- You can now add some walnuts, sliced bananas or pecans on the top for design (optional).
- Bake for one hour, broil for 3-5 minutes.
- Keep it to cool.
Enjoy :)
This meal is absolutely delicious! It is full of flavour, very nutritious and lovely to look at. It is definitely a perfect meal for gatherings. The combination of the falafel with the Beetroot and Carrot salad is exquisite.
The Falafel's main ingredient is chickpeas which is an excellent source of protein, fiber, iron, calcium and magnesium. It is also known for reducing cholesterol and inflammation levels.
Beetroot and Carrots are both good sources of antioxidants. They prevent heart diseases, lower blood pressure, boosts immunity, controls diabetes, improves eyesight, lowers inflammations, help in digestion and prevents cancer.
I grew up loving falafel, however in most places they are deeply fried. After making those healthy falafels I don't think I can have the deep fried ones again! They are perfect for me, I hope you enjoy them as much I do :)
This post will have four recipe: Falafel recipe, Sesame Dip recipe, Beetroot & Carrot Salad recipe and Sesame Orange Dressing recipe. You can make the Beetroot Salad by itself if you wish or pair it with something else, your choice!
Falafel Recipe (3-5 people)
Ingredients
1.5 cups of chickpeas (soaked overnight)
1 cup parsley
1/4 cup coriander
2 tsp chopped mint
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves of garlic
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
3 TBSP of blended/grounded rice cakes (I use Kallo organic unsalted whole grain rice cakes from Alfair )
Method
- Blend all in a food processor until its sticky enough to form balls.
- Measure a tablespoon in a scoop and align the falafel patties on a parchment paper on a baking tray.
- Bake at 200c for 20 minutes or pan fry without oil or a bit of coconut oil depending on the skillet you have for a few minutes on each side. Both methods work perfectly!
Sesame Dip Recipe
Ingredients
1/4 cup roasted sesames (roast them for a few minutes in a pan)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 lime
1/4 tsp garlic powder
pinch of salt & pepper
- Blend and drizzle on the Falafels!
Beetroot & Carrot Salad Recipe
Ingredients
1 Carrot (spiralized)
1 small Beetroot (spiralized or cut into strings)
Lettuce
a few Pumpkin seeds
a few Sunflower seeds
a few Raisins
a few Goji Berries (optional)
Sesame Orange Dressing Recipe
Ingredients
2 TBSP freshly squeezed orange juice
1.5 TBSP Sesame Dip
a pinch of cumin
-Pour over the Salad and mix well.
Enjoy :)
P.s If you feel like you have too many falafels, you can store them in the freezer and bake them another day.
