Healthy Banana Bread with Raw Mixed Berry Chia Seed Jam

This is a hit with all my family. The smell filling the house just oozes happiness!

I always opt for chestnut flour as it’s naturally gluten free (so less processed than other gluten free options), and has its own unique taste. I also use coconut oil, deodorised mainly to reduce the coconut taste over riding the banana flavour, and keeping it dairy free is always a bonus. Coconut oil contains caprylic and linoleic acids which are both anti-bactierial.

This is important when we are trying to keep our inflammation levels down. Inflammation is one of the biggest drivers for illness to settle in the body. Dairy is a mucus forming food and can contribute to things such as sinus and chest congestion, headaches, achy joints, inflamed intestines and skin complaints.

Bananas are full of potassium, which is one of the most important minerals we need in our bodies. It is good for water retention, heart health and blood pressure . Banana bread is a wonderful way to ensure you get a good amount of potassium in your diet.

If you wanted this slightly sweeter, simply adjust the vanilla paste accordingly or add honey, coconut or date syrup.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium to large size bananas, or 5 small bananas

• 200g  butter or coconut oil (df)

• 200g of flour ( your choice)

• 4 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla paste

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon - helps balance blood sugar levels

• 1/2 tsp baking powder/baking soda (gf)

• pinch of salt

Method:

Set the oven at Gas Mark 6, or 120 degrees.

Line your baking tray with grease-proof or parchment paper, so the bread doesn't stick to the sides and it is easy to get out.

Place 4 bananas in a blender and blitz until mushed.

Add in your cinnamon and baking powder (baking soda to be gluten free), then add in the eggs and blitz again.

Measure out your butter (or coconut oil to be dairy-free) and heat gently in a pan to melt before adding to the blender and blitzing again, with a dash of vanilla pasta to taste, if desired. You can add in a pinch of salt at this time also, if required.

Add your flour to the blender in stages and blitz to combine.

Pour into your lined baking tray and pop into the oven to bake for 45 minutes.

Check your bread on 45 minutes using a knife inserted in the middle - if it comes out clean its cooked, if not pop back in the oven for another couple of minutes.

To Serve, Raw Mixed Berry Chia Seed Jam:

This is a really simple way of boosting your anti oxidants and vitamin C to support Immunity. As it is all raw, the goodness is not boiled away. The chia seeds look very much like the seeds found in strawberry jam so kids tend transition over to it easily. It’s packed with protein for energy levels, high in fibre to encourage the growth of healthy gut bacteria, slows the breakdown of the sugars in the berries and high in Omega 3 for anti inflammatory benefits!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen berries

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• Juice of 1 lime or lemon

• Juice of 1 apple, or 20ml cold pressed apple juice

Method:

Put all ingredients in a blender and blitz until combined.

Serve over slices of your freshly cooked banana bread, heaped as desired.

You can even add a dollop of keffir to serve as well - delicious!