This delicious recipe is courtesy of Nadia Lim @ nadialim.com
No sugar, gluten free and can be made with either coconut oil or butter if you're not too concerned about dairy. Enjoy!
Ingredients
125g of butter or coconut oil melted
3 very ripe bananas
1.5 cups of desiccated coconut
1/2 cup of gluten free flour
1 cup of ground almonds
1 level teaspoon of baking soda
2 teaspoons of Organic or vanilla essence or extract
3 free-range eggs, whisked
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, more for garnish
1 extra banana for garnish
A good pinch of sea-salt
Method
Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line two small loaf tins (e.g. 3.5 cup capacity) with baking paper
In a large bowl, mix melted oil/butter, mashed banana, coconut, almonds, flour, baking soda, vanilla, cinnamon, whisked eggs and salt. Stir until combined
Spoon mixture into prepared loaf tins, dividing equally. Peel and cut remaining banana (if using) into half lengthways and arrange a banana half on top of each loaf. Sprinkle with a little cinnamon
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until loves are golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean
Leave loaves to cool (if you can) in tins for 5-10 minutes before removing and transferring to a wire rack. Very delicious warmed and spread with a little butter
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to three days, or in the fridge for up to five days. (Trust me it won’t last that long, it's too yummy). And it freezes really well.
Why is this so good?
Bananas: Contain many essential nutrients, including potassium, Vitamin B6 and fibre, which staves off hunger pangs— reduces cholesterol, stabilises blood sugar and may shorten recovery time after exercise. Eating one banana daily may improve cognitive functioning (Wang et.al. 2014)
Eggs: A vitamin in a shell - contains vitamin B6— Vitamin B6 is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates (sugars) and lipids (fats). Eggs also contain Selenium a wonderful anti-oxidant and essential for thyroid functioning along with Zinc both are essential for optimal immune functioning. B12 and Vitamin D. A great protein source and a good fat source.
Butter: I know what you are thinking - saturated fat. But unlike the saturated fats you find in shop-bought pies and cakes and processed foods, this is a natural saturated fat and your body knows how to process it. The saturated fats in butter have strong anti-tumour and anti-cancer properties. Butter contains conjugated linoleic acid, which is a potent anti-cancer agent, muscle builder and an immunity booster. Vitamin D found in butter is essential for the absorption of calcium.
Cinnamon: High source of antioxidants. Contains anti-inflammatory properties, protects heart health, fights diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels, helps defend against cognitive decline and protects brain functioning. May lower cancer risk. Improves immunity by helping fight viruses and infections. Protects against dental carries and freshens breath naturally.
Assists digestion. Relieves spasms in the gastrointestinal tract.
Coconut: High in manganese, which is essential for bone health and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and cholesterol. Also rich in copper and iron, assisting with red blood cell production. And selenium, a powerful antioxidant and a cofactor to maintain good thyroid functioning.
Almonds: Contain healthy fats and fibre which is essential to reduce cholesterol levels. They also contain a natural muscle relaxant — Magnesium, an essential mineral for the body. Almonds help to reduce blood sugar levels. and reduce blood pressure. Almonds also promote satiety and assist with weight loss.
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