Banana zucchini bread

Nutrition content per serve

Energy: 198 calories | Protein: 6g | Carb: 21g | Sugar: 11g | Fibre: 5g | Total Fat: 9g | Sat Fat: 1g | Unsaturated Fats: 5g | Serves 10
*Approximate values from Xyris Foodworks software

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  
• 3 large eggs, whisked
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 1/3 cup mixed seeds
• ½  medium zucchini grated (moisture squeezed out with a paper towel)
• ¼  cup extra virgin olive oil
• 6 figs, diced
• 3/4 cup wholemeal wheat or spelt flour*
• ¼  cup hemp flour*
• 1 tbsp mesquite flour/powder (optional)**
• 2 tsp baking powder

Method:

1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C.
2. Grease and line a loaf tin with butter and baking paper.
3. Place mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl and stir through eggs.
4. Add in spices, seeds, zucchini, olive oil, figs, flour, baking powder and stir gently to combine.
5. Pour batter into the loaf tin and smooth the surface. Decorate with a sprinkle of cinnamon and 1/3 banana sliced lengthways.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
7. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes and place on a wire rack to continue to cool.
8. Slice and enjoy! Make in bulk and freeze with baking paper in between each slice and reheat in the microwave, oven or toaster!

*The use of hemp flour gives it a more earthy taste and softer consistency. But if that’s not your taste, try using  ½ cup wholemeal flour and ½ cup wholemeal spelt flour to give it a more traditional banana bread taste and feel but without the excess sugar.

** Use in moderation initially as this may cause tummy irritation in some people.

Why it’s good for you:

• This is a gluten-free, nut-free, naturally sweetened alternative to the traditional banana 'cake' bread which is usually high in processed sugar and saturated fats. The addition of hemp flour boosts the protein and fibre per serve as well as being a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Overripe bananas give the bread a nice sweet flavour while having a low GI of under 55. Mesquite flour adds to the sweetness with a nutty caramel taste without the excess calories, and the added benefit of nutrients such as iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

All information contained in this article has been prepared by CBHS health professionals and is intended for general information purposes only. The information provided should not be relied upon as medical advice and does not supersede or replace a consultation with a suitably qualified healthcare professional.