Tag Archives: healthy

Flourless Chocolate Fudge Brownies

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I found this recipe on instagram during the week and was so excited to make them! However, one of the main ingredients in the original recipe was black beans which I failed to come across in Tesco yesterday so I compromised and bought a can of red kidney beans instead (my friend thought I was crazy!).

Today, just before going ahead with making these brownies, I stared at the can of red kidney beans because I wasn’t sure if I should chance it or not seeing as the recipe had black beans so I put the can back in the cupboard. A few minutes later I came back and decided to give it a go because how bad could they turn out right?

This recipe was very easy to make, literally threw everything in the food processor, not giving the measurements much attention as I was so afraid of how they would turn out. Once all the ingredients were processed, things started to look good.. Into the oven and about 20 minutes later I decided to take them out. After letting the brownies cool for a while, I cut them up into squares and had my first taste…

And GUESS WHAT?! They tasted GREAT! Extremely moist and melt-in-the-mouth delicious! I even tricked my sister into trying one (my toughest critic) and without telling her that there was red kidney beans in the recipe, she tried one and after a while I asked her what she thought and she was convinced they were just like normal brownies… *victory dance* 🙂

These brownies are really so healthy. They are a great source of plant protein, fibre, iron, potassium, magnesium, folate and antioxidants! They’re a great recipe for anyone that is gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan as the oats and chocolate can be adjusted to your needs.

I’m so excited about this recipe and so excited for you all to try it so here it is:

Ingredients

  • 1 15-oz can (Net weight 400g/Drained weight 240g) of black beans/ red-kidney beans (drained and rinsed very well)
  • 3 tbsp cocoa powder/herbalife chocolate formula 1
  • 1/2 cup oats
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/3 cup agave syrup/honey/maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 200g of chocolate chips

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.

2. Combine all the ingredients except for the chocolate chips in a food processor, and blend until completely smooth, so blend really well.

3. Stir in 3/4 of the chocolate chips, then pour into a greased 8×8 pan (I used grease proof paper for lining the pan).

4. Sprinkle the rest of the chocolate chips on top.

5. Cook the brownies in the oven for 20-25 minutes but keep an eye on them because temperatures of ovens differ.

6. Then let cool for at least 10 minutes before trying to cut them into squares.

7. Makes between 9-12 brownies.

These brownies were perfect warm after coming out of the oven so if you want them later on, heating them up slightly will probably enhance their taste.

Would make a great dessert warm served with some chocolate and toasted almond nobó ice-cream (Going to try this later!)

Also if anyone tries this recipe with the black beans before I do, I would love to know how they turn out 🙂

Enjoy 🙂

Tee x

Sun Dried Tomato & Vegetable Pasta Dish

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Ingredients

  • whole-wheat/brown/gluten-free pasta (however much you want)!
  • 1/2 jar of sun dried tomatoes
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1/2 pound broccoli florets
  • 4/5 mushrooms, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup fresh parmesan, shaved

Method

1. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Once boiling, add pasta and cook for approximately 10 minutes or until al dente.

2. As the pasta cooks, add 2 tbsp of sun dried tomato oil (from the jar) and the garlic to a wide pan over medium heat. Once they begin to sizzle, add the mushrooms and broccoli. Toss to coat and cook for 4-6 minutes.

3. Once the pasta is done, drain and add directly to the pan with the vegetables. Add the pine nuts, tossing to coat and cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and mix in the cheese.

*I like to mix around with my pasta from time to time. Balance is good so sometimes for a change I have some gluten free pasta instead of the brown/whole-wheat pastas. The gluten free pasta I usually buy are the types made from brown rice or millet. And I can usually find those in supermarkets such as Tesco or else in any of my local health food stores.

Enjoy 🙂

Tee x

Healthy Granola

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Ingredients

  • 2tbsp rapeseed oil/coconut oil
  • 150ml agave syrup/honey/maple syrup (or a mixture of all)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 300g rolled oats
  • sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, linseeds, sesame seeds – I never really weigh out the seeds, I just throw in however much I feel like!
  • 100g flaked almonds
  • 100g raspberries, strawberries, blackberries
  • 50g dessicated coconut
  • dark chocolate to drizzle on top

Method

  1. Heat oven to 150°C.
  2. Mix the oil, syrup and vanilla in a large bowl. Tip in all the remaining ingredients, except for the berries and coconut, and mix well.
  3. Tip the granola onto a baking sheet and spread evenly. Bake for 15 minutes, then mix in the coconut and fruit, and bake for another 10-15 minutes ~ once the granola starts to go golden brown and the berries go soft.
  4. Remove and let it cool.
  5. Once the granola is cool, melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it on top.
  • Serve with cold milk or yoghurt.
  • The granola can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month.

I love my granola because it’s so yummy in my tummy and so easy to make 🙂

Enjoy 🙂

Tee x

Oat Bread

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Ingredients

  • 1 large tub of natural yoghurt (500g)
  • 2 tubs (use the yoghurt tub to measure) of porridge oats (can use gluten free oats if preferred)
  • 2 tsp of bread soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 egg (works well without the egg for anyone with egg intolerances)
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • oat bran and pumpkin seeds to sprinkle on top

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.

2. Place bread soda, salt and the yoghurt in a mixing bowl.

3. Using the same yoghurt tub, measure 2 tubs of porridge oats and add to the bowl. Stir thoroughly.

4. Add the beaten egg and milk and stir to combine.

5. Place in a greased standard loaf tin (2lbs/900g – 18.5 x 11.5 x 9cm).

6. Sprinkle some oat bran and pumpkin seeds on top.

7. Bake for approximately 45 – 60 minutes (depending on your oven).

8. Remove and leave to cool on a wire tray.

I love this straight out of the oven with lots of butter on top 🙂 Also great for sandwiches and alongside soup..

Enjoy,

Tee x

Quinoa Pizza

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…Who said pizza can’t be healthy?

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1/2 cup quinoa
  • 1 1/2 cup water (for cooking the quinoa)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp mixed dried herbs
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

For the Topping – this is just an example of my favourite topping but the great thing about pizza is that you can really experiment with it and put whatever topping you like!

  • 4 tbsp tomato based pizza sauce
  • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella/ goats/ feta cheese (whatever is preferred)
  • handful of spinach leaves
  • few slices of cajun seasoned chicken
  • chopped spring onions
  • diced red, yellow pepper

Directions

  1.  Add quinoa to water, bring the pan to a boil, cover and cook till all the water is absorbed and the quinoa becomes fluffy.
  2. Beat the whole egg. Add the dried herbs and shredded cheese. Add this mix to the quinoa and mix together well.
  3. Line a baking tray with some parchment paper/foil and spray some cooking oil on it.
  4. Take the quinoa mixture and spread the mixture onto the sheet. Spread the quinoa in whatever shape you would like for a good pizza base. As thick or thin as you like!
  5. Place the pan in a preheated oven for 8 – 10 minutes at 350°F/180°C.
  6. Take it out of the oven and let it cool for a minute.
  7. Spread the pizza sauce on top. Layer the cheese and toppings on top of the pizza sauce.
  8. Bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the sides start to turn golden/ brown.
  9. Let it cool for a minute so that the crust holds together.
  10. Carefully cut out slices and serve.

Just a few Quinoa Facts:

  • Quinoa is a grain just like wheat or rice but what makes it different from these other grains is that it is a complete protein – containing all eight of the essential amino acids! Which makes quinoa a great source of protein so it will keep you fuller for longer!
  • Quinoa is a SUPERFOOD! Packed with dietary fibre, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. It is also gluten-free and easy to digest.
  • You can get quinoa in any supermarket or health food shop, you just need to have a look around. Here is an example of the packaging of the quinoa I usually buy to help you find it..

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Enjoy & let me know about the different creations you come up with for your Quinoa Pizza! 🙂

Tee x