Monday, January 31, 2011

Banana Chia Muffins



Chia? Isn't it that weird pet thing that grows "hair"?


Why yes, yes it is.

It is also an amazing superfood packed full of antioxidants and omega-3s. And as a vegetarian, I don't eat fish and need to get omega-3s from somewhere. I do this with chia and flaxseed - both ground and in capsules. Among other things.

Dr Oz first brought this little seed to my attention, and if Dr Oz says it's true, then it must be gospel. I trust him implicitly. However, as all good, educated, informed people should, I read about it to see if the research stacked up. It did. So now I throw a spoonful of chia in soup, pasta, smoothies, sprinkle on cereal... it's small and tasteless and packs a nutritious punch. It can go anywhere!

If you don't have/don't want chia in your muffins of banana-y goodness, just leave it out... the recipe needs no adaptation.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups self-raising flour

1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large ripe bananas, mashed
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon each flaxseed meal and chia seeds

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 220C

2. Mash the banana. Add egg and butter.

3. Add the dry ingredients and mix.

4. Fill muffin cases three-quarters full and bake 15-20 minutes until risen and golden brown.

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17 comments:

  1. The barefoot lifting witchJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:22 AM

    Love this!! I'll try to make it for the little people. Yummo.

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  2. Lorraine @ Not Quite NigellaJanuary 31, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    hehe I said the same thing when I heard about chia! It's quite yummy though-it's always so much nicer when superfoods taste good :)

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  3. ClaireJanuary 31, 2011 at 12:57 PM

    I also put chia seeds in everything (provided no child is in view of seeing me put said chia seeds in her food).

    I got the tip from a blog that you will probably love (a friend of mine who does a vegan blog as well as a personal blog)
    her veggie blog is http://two-little-spoons.blogspot.com/

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  4. Nikki @ Styling YouJanuary 31, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    I put chia seeds in my blueberry protein smoothies. Think Dr Oz would approve!

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  5. BreeFebruary 6, 2011 at 9:21 AM

    Yum, this looks delicious! And I'm excited to have another vegetarian blog to read - huzzah!

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  6. BreeAugust 17, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    Yum, this looks delicious! And I'm excited to have another vegetarian blog to read - huzzah!

    ReplyDelete
  7. LucyAugust 17, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    I also put chia seeds in everything (provided no child is in view of seeing me put said chia seeds in her food).

    I got the tip from a blog that you will probably love (a friend of mine who does a vegan blog as well as a personal blog)
    her veggie blog is http://two-little-spoons.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  8. Romina GarciaAugust 17, 2011 at 1:30 PM

    Love this!! I'll try to make it for the little people. Yummo.

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  9. erinAugust 25, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    Hi there! Just wanted to say that I took some inspiration from this recipe and baked my own banana chia muffins. Can't wait to check out the rest of your site - I think there might be a few tasty treats in my future :)

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  10. veggiemamaAugust 25, 2011 at 3:51 PM

    I'm SO pleased to hear that! I love when people get inspired in the kitchen x

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  11. lalaneebyJanuary 5, 2012 at 12:19 PM

    I must be missing something. I made these muffins this evening and they were hard little pucks. Any idea why? I used all-purpose flour, is that different than what you call self-rising flour?

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  12. Veggie MamaJanuary 5, 2012 at 4:47 PM

    Oh no! Yes, if you use all-purpose flour then they won't rise! You either need self-raising flour, or add a teaspoon of baking powder to every cup of all purpose flour :(

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  13. KimberleyFebruary 16, 2012 at 11:11 AM

    I made these muffins for my boys lunch boxes and they are very yummy...Great recipe! 

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  14. Veggie MamaFebruary 16, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    Oh great! I'm pleased you like them!

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  15. Jacqui (CRAP Mamma)March 4, 2012 at 11:47 AM

    I discovered chia a while ago and I love it on my cereal. I tried it in meatballs once too and it added a really nice texture. I love the sound of these muffins, thanks for the recipe - going to try them this week if the kids don't eat all the bananas :)

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  16. Veggie MamaMarch 6, 2012 at 3:09 PM

    Bananas always get eaten at my place, but I hate them!

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  17. Starlet_186July 31, 2012 at 2:25 PM

    Veggie mama I love you! I not only made your potato garlic bake last night but also your cesar. But seeing as we don't have chicken replacement here in aus I skipped that part but made it exactly the way you said and they both went down a treat with my fellow non vego housemates!!!! I just made these muffins and they are bloody marvellous and have made a great impact. Thanks for helping me show the world meat free doesn't have to be boring or yuck!

    ReplyDelete

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