Tag: oil

Mouthwatering Vegan Pumpkin Bread

On By SarahIn RecipesLeave a comment

Spiced_Pumpkin_BreadThe 31st of October is not only special because it is Halloween, but also because it is my sister’s birthday. Instead of making the usual chocolate cake, I decided to make super delicious pumpkin bread. It is neither too sweet nor too spicy. It has just the right amount of density, moisture and fall flavors. It is simply perfect! What makes this recipe even better is that it is one-bowl recipe! Yay!

As you might have noticed, since starting my blog, I have been somewhat obsessed with pumpkin. Pumpkin is an extremely versatile fruit and is in my opinion, one of the best superfruits for fall. Pumpkin provides many health benefits. Pumpkin is a low-calorie superstar, which is rich in fiber, meaning that it slows down digestion and promotes weight-loss. Pumpkin is loaded with beta-carotene, which not only supports eye health and protects against the effects of aging, but also helps lower cancer risk. Plus, it is packed with nearly 20 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C and thus gives our immune system an extra boost – an absolute must in the fall/winter months.

So, what are you waiting for? Get baking!

Instructions

Ingredients

  • 1.5 flax eggs(1.5 tbsp flaxseed meal + 4 tbsp water)
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree – you can use the canned type, but make sure that it is not flavored with any sweeteners and spices.
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp olive oil or your favorite vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice or allspice
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk or your favorite non-dairy milk
  • 1 cup of spelt (Type 630) – or whole-wheat pastry flour
  • 1/3 cup of spelt- (Type 1050) or oat flour
  • 1/4-1/2 cup dried fruit and/or nuts e.g. cranberries  – add more, if you like
  • 3 tbsp raw pepitas

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180 °C.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flaxseed meal with water and let the mixture rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Add maple syrup, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil and stir.
  4. Add baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, salt and milk; and then give mixture another whisk.
  5. Add spelt flours and stir until just combined. If mixture seems to be too thick, simply add more milk.
  6. Fold in the dried fruit/nuts.
  7. Coat the loaf pan with vegetable butter or non-stick spray.
  8. Pour batter into the loaf pan and then top with raw pepitas.
  9. Bake until the top is browned, i.e. for roughly 50-60 minutes.
  10. To check for doneness, simply insert a toothpick or sharp knife into the loaf’s center. If it comes out clean, it is done!
  11. Allow loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes and then transfer it to a wire rack.
  12. Let it cool completely before slicing.
  13. Enjoy!

Tip: After the bread has cooled off, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Eat within 3 to 5 days!

Suggested Kitchen Soundtrack

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICEDceX6WpM

 

 

 

All-Star Baked Sweet Potato Fries

On By SarahIn RecipesLeave a comment

Sweet_Potato_Fries_2A couple of years ago, I traveled to Dublin, Ireland, with my sister to see The Coronas live in their hometown at the O2 Arena. Prior to the best concert ever, we had dinner at Jo’ Burger, the restaurant with the best sweet potato fries that I have ever eaten. After my first bite, I was hooked. I don’t normally order seconds, but in this case, I made an exception. It was so worth it!

Since then, I was tried to recreate the magnificent taste of these fries. I always fall just short of achieving this goal. My fries also taste outlandishly good, but they don’t taste like the Jo’ Burger fries. Just another of many reasons to revisit Dublin.

With just one sweet potato and a few herbs and spices, you can make a side dish that not only tastes fantastic, but is also loaded with nutrients. For instance, one medium-sized sweet potato contains over 400% of your daily requirement of vitamin A and is an excellent source of beta-carotene, potassium and fiber. Hence, it can reduce cancer risk; protect against asthma, heart disease and the effects of aging. The skin is high in potassium and fiber, thus, if possible, buy organic sweet potatoes that you don’t have to peel.

Instructions

Ingredients

  • one medium-sized sweet potato per person
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • salt
  • fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (to add sweetness, if desired)
  • 1/4 red chili flakes (to add an extra kick)

Instructions

  1. Slice the sweet potato into long slices or disks.
  2. Preheat oven to 220 °C .
  3. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato pieces with just enough oil to coat them. Don’t over do it! Less is more!
  4. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cinnamon.
  5. Give the sweet potatoes another toss.
  6. Line a sheet tray with parchment – just one tray for best results!
  7. Spread the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure that there is some distance between each fry to prevent the fries from turning soggy.
  8. Bake for about 15 minutes. Turn the fries and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
  9. The fries should be tender and browned on the outside.
  10. Let the fries cool off for 5-10 minutes before serving.
  11. Enjoy!

Suggested Kitchen Soundtrack

Super Tasty Guacamole

On By SarahIn RecipesLeave a comment

GuacamoleFresh, homemade guacamole is an absolute favorite of my friends and I. Every time that we meet for an outdoor picnic, I bring some guacamole with corn chips and within minutes, it’s gone.

Next time when you have a potluck dinner or family gathering, bring this super delicious dip. This guacamole not only tastes extremely yummy, but is also very easy to make. You don’t even need a food processor! So what are you waiting for? Get chopping!

Side Note: Avocados are incredibly nutritious. They are an excellent source of potassium (they contain more K than bananas), omega-3 fatty acids, lutein and fiber. This super fruit has a wide range of health benefits. Among other things, it facilitates the absorption of nutrients from other plant foods; reduces cancer risk; lowers cholesterol levels; and supports eye- and heart health. Don’t be fooled by their high fat content, eating avocados even promotes weight loss.

Instructions

Ingredients

  • ½ a small red onion
  • 1  red chilli pepper (or 2 for a little extra kick)
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 bunch of fresh coriander
  • 1 medium-sized tomato or 4 cherry tomatoes
  • 1 garlic clove (optional)
  • 1 lime
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and dice the onion and then prep the red chili pepper by cutting it in quarters; removing the seeds and pith inside; and dicing the quarters.
  2. Destone the avocados and scoop out their creamy flesh.
  3. Combine the three ingredients on a large cutting board and chop them until they are well-combined.
  4. Chop the coriander leaves into small pieces; dice the tomato; and mince the garlic clove.
  5. Add the remaining 3 ingredients to the avocado mixture and chop them all together until they are fine and well-combined.
  6. Add the juice of 1 lime and 1 tbsp of oil, then season to taste with salt, pepper, lime juice and red pepper flakes. Have fun with it!
  7. I like my guacamole chilled, so I always put it in the fridge before serving it.
  8. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestion: Serve with corn chips or use dip as a sandwich spread on toasted whole-wheat bread.

Suggested Kitchen Soundtrack