Express Mini Breads

Express Mini Breads

Express Mini Breads

These super-easy mini loaf breads are the perfect solution for anyone craving fresh, homemade bread without the hassle of kneading. With minimal effort and maximum freshness, you can have fluffy loaves with a golden crust ready in no time. These mini breads are versatile, making them ideal for sweet or savory sandwiches or as a delightful side to soups and salads.

Wheat flour is the star ingredient in this recipe, providing a rich source of carbohydrates that are essential for energy. Whole wheat flour, particularly when combined with wheat germ, offers additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to a balanced diet. Incorporating whole grains like wheat into your meals can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestion, and support heart health. Plus, these mini loaves are light, airy, and perfect for any meal of the day.

Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a lunchbox staple, or a side for dinner, these No-Knead Mini Loaf Breads are sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (270 g) unbleached wheat flour
  • ⅓ cup (30 g) wheat germ (optional, to increase fiber content)
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 ½ tbsp. instant yeast
  • 1/2 tsp. maple syrup (or any other sweetener of your choice)
  • 1 ¾ cups lukewarm water (adjust up to 2 cups depending on the flour used)

For Garnish:

  • 1 tsp. sesame seeds (optional)
  • 1 tsp. flaxseed (optional)
  • 1 tsp. sunflower seeds (optional)

Directions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: unbleached wheat flour, wheat germ (if using), salt, and instant yeast. Add maple syrup.
  2. Gradually pour lukewarm water into the dry ingredients while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until you achieve a slightly runny batter with a smooth consistency.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough proof for 30 minutes in a warm corner of your kitchen. The dough will double in volume during this time.
  4. Preheat your oven to 365°F (185°C). Prepare the mini loaf pans by lightly dusting them with flour.
  5. Spoon the equivalent of half a cup of the dough into each mini loaf pan. Sprinkle sesame seeds, flaxseed, or sunflower seeds on top for garnish.
  6. Bake the mini loaves for 40 minutes or until they develop a golden crust outside and are fluffy and soft inside.
  7. Remove the mini loaves and let them cool on a wire rack. Leaving them in the pan may cause them to become moist and lose their crunch.
  8. Enjoy your express mini breads!

Prep Time and Servings

  • Makes: 8 Servings
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Proofing Time: 30 minutes
  • Baking Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 150 calories
  • Protein: 5.38 g
  • Fat: 1.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28.9 g
  • Fiber: 1.8 g

Storage and Recommendations

  • Store cooled mini loaf breads in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or up to 3 months in the freezer.
  • Enjoy these mini loaf breads as part of breakfast, lunch, or dinner, paired with your favorite spreads or as a side to soups and salads.
Red Lentil Loaf Bread

Red Lentil Loaf Bread

Red Lentil Loaf Bread

Indulge in the savory goodness of this incredible red lentil bread or cake, a perfect addition to any vegetarian, gluten-free, or grain-free diet. Red lentils, known for their high protein and fiber content, form the base of this delicious and nutritious bread. This recipe offers a flavorful and wholesome option that pairs well with a variety of dishes, whether it’s soups, stews, salads, or your favorite plant-based spreads.

Red lentils are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. They are particularly rich in iron and folate, making them an excellent choice for boosting energy levels and supporting a healthy metabolism. Additionally, lentils are known to promote heart health, aid digestion, and help in managing blood sugar levels. Incorporating red lentils into your diet is a simple and delicious way to enhance your overall well-being.

This versatile bread is easy to make and can be customized with your preferred vegetables and seasonings. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your meals, this red lentil bread/cake is a must-try!

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cup red lentils (285 g)
  • 1 cup coconut cream (or any other plant-based cream or milk of your choice)
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 150 g shredded carrot (or any veggies of your choice)
  • 100 g chopped orange, green, or red pepper
  • 30 g (or 2 units) chopped green onion
  • 25 g sun-dried tomato
  • 6 or 7 fresh thyme stems
  • ½ tbsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • Black pepper (optional)
  • 1 tsp. sesame seeds or other seeds of your choice for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Soak red lentils for at least 4 hours or overnight in the fridge.
  2. Wash and strain the soaked lentils extremely well.
  3. Transfer the lentils to a blender and add coconut cream or milk. Blend until smooth and creamy, then transfer to a mixing bowl.
  4. Thinly shred carrots, cabbage, onion, and red pepper. Dice the sun-dried tomato.
  5. Add shredded vegetables, chopped sun-dried tomato, and thyme leaves to the lentil mixture.
  6. Pour in olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and baking powder.
  7. Mix all the ingredients until well combined.
  8. Preheat the oven to 365°F (185°C).
  9. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  10. Pour the lentil mixture into the loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
  11. Sprinkle sesame seeds or seeds of your choice on top for garnish.
  12. Bake for 1 hour or until golden brown and fully cooked.
  13. Transfer the bread to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  14. Slice the lentil cake/bread into slices and serve.

Prep Time and Servings

  • Makes: 8 Servings
  • Soaking Time: 12 hours
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Baking Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 242 calories
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Fat: 11.47 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27.62 g
  • Fiber: 5.4 g

Storage and Recommendations

  • Store your lentil cake/bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or up to 3 months in the freezer.
  • This bread is vegan and gluten-free.
  • Customize with your preferred vegetables and seasonings for variation.
Red Lentil Mini Bread

Red Lentil Mini Bread

Red Lentil Mini Bread

 

Indulge in the extraordinary flavors and nutritional benefits of these incredible mini loaf breads, perfect for those seeking vegetarian, gluten-free, and grain-free alternatives. These breads are not just a delightful addition to your meals but also a powerhouse of nutrition, ensuring you get the best of both taste and health.

Red lentils, the star ingredient of this recipe, offer a plethora of health benefits. They are rich in protein, making them an excellent source of plant-based protein, especially for vegetarians and vegans. Along with their high protein content, red lentils are packed with dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. They are also a good source of iron, essential for the production of red blood cells and overall energy levels. The inclusion of red lentils in your diet can contribute to weight management, lower cholesterol levels, and improved heart health, making these mini breads not only delicious but also a great choice for your daily nutrition.

Paired with cottage cheese and eggs for added protein, these mini loaves are not only incredibly filling but also versatile. Whether enjoyed warm with a spread of butter, as a base for a healthy toast, or even as sandwich bread, these mini loaves are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Get ready to be amazed by the exceptional taste and texture of these lentil-based bread alternatives!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils (190 g)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup cottage cheese, sour cream, or yogurt
  • 4 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • Black pepper (optional)
  • ½ tbsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. sesame seeds or other seeds of your choice for garnish (optional)
  • 1 tsp. poppy seeds or other seeds of your choice for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Soak red lentils overnight in the refrigerator. Rinse them thoroughly, drain extremely well from all the rinsing water, and transfer them into a blender.
  2. Add eggs, cottage cheese, olive oil, salt, black pepper (if using), and baking powder to the blender.
  3. Blend until you achieve a smooth and silky consistency.
  4. Brush the cups of your mini loaf pan with oil and line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  5. Pour the equivalent of ⅓ cup of the batter into each mini loaf cup.
  6. Sprinkle sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or any other seeds of your choice on top for garnish.
  7. Preheat your oven to 365°F (185°C).
  8. Bake the mini loaf breads for approximately 40 minutes, or until they turn golden and are well cooked through.
  9. Remove from the loaves pan and let them cool down before enjoying.

Prep Time, Baking Information, and Servings

  • Servings: 9 Mini Breads
  • Overnight Soaking: Required
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Baking Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Mini Bread)

  • Energy: 168 calories
  • Protein: 9.18 g
  • Fat: 8.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14.72 g
  • Fiber: 2.4 g

Notes & Storage

  • Store your mini loaf breads in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or up to 3 months in the freezer.
  • Enjoy these versatile and nutritious mini loaves warm with butter or as a healthy toast, or sandwich bread.
Chickpeas Flan

Chickpeas Flan

Chickpeas Flan

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a nutritional powerhouse, offering a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This versatile legume has been a staple in many cuisines around the world, and for good reason. Not only do chickpeas provide a substantial amount of plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans, but they also have a creamy texture and nutty flavor that can be adapted into a variety of dishes.

In this recipe, chickpeas take center stage as the base for a delicious and wholesome savory flan. This dish is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. The flan’s smooth, silky texture, combined with the rich, nutty flavor of chickpeas, creates a culinary experience reminiscent of a classic béchamel sauce, but without the need for dairy or heavy cream.

Chickpeas are particularly valued for their high fiber content, which supports digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. They are also rich in essential nutrients such as iron, magnesium, and folate, which contribute to heart health and overall well-being. Including chickpeas in your diet can aid in weight management by promoting satiety, thanks to their combination of protein and fiber. This savory flan is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course, a side dish, or even as a snack, offering a delightful way to incorporate more plant-based nutrition into your diet.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (yields approximately 2 ½ cups soaked chickpeas)
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 tbsp. olive oil
  • 4 cups room temperature water
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. black pepper
  • ½ tbsp. baking powder
  • Pinch of cumin (for seasoning)
  • Pinch of chili pepper (for seasoning)

Directions

  1. Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and cover with room temperature water.
  2. Allow the chickpeas to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
  3. Take the soaked chickpeas, rinse them thoroughly, drain very well, and transfer them to a blender.
  4. Add the eggs, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and baking powder to the blender.
  5. Blend the ingredients until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps in the batter.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Grease a baking pan or dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  8. Pour the smooth batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly, and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the flan is golden brown and set.
  9. Once baked, remove the chickpea flan from the oven and allow it to cool slightly and continue hardening.
  10. Slice the flan into servings and season with additional salt, cumin, and chili pepper to taste, if desired.

Prep Time, Baking Information, and Servings

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
  • Baking Time: 50 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per 1 Serving)

  • Energy: 346 calories
  • Protein: 13.38 g
  • Fat: 18.91 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32.53 g
  • Fiber: 6.1 g

Notes & Storage

  • Store any leftover chickpea flan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • You can make this recipe totally vegan by omitting the eggs.
  • Enjoy this chickpea flan as a satisfying main dish or snack.
Homemade Sandwiches

Homemade Sandwiches

Homemade Sandwiches

There’s something truly satisfying about crafting your own sandwich from scratch, isn’t there? Whether it’s the thrill of combining your favorite flavors or the simple joy of biting into something you made with your own hands, sandwiches have a way of bringing comfort and delight in every bite.

In this recipe, we’re going to take your sandwich game to the next level by using homemade buns and spreads that we’ve prepared in our previous recipes. The beauty of sandwich making lies in its versatility, you can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste buds and make each sandwich truly your own.

So, let’s dive into the delicious world of homemade sandwiches. We’ll guide you through the steps to create three mouthwatering options: a savory Chicken Sandwich, a fresh and tangy Salmon Sandwich, and a rich and flavorful Cheese Sandwich. Each one is bursting with flavor and freshness, perfect for any meal of the day.

Let’s start cooking!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Sandwich:

  • 200 g roasted and sliced chicken breast
  • 20 g onion, finely chopped
  • 25 g pickles, sliced
  • 2 tsp. homemade tahini sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 homemade bun (or store-bought)
  • 1 ½ tsp. dried tomato spread
  • 2 or 3 salad leaves

For the Salmon Sandwich:

  • 1 homemade bun (or store-bought)
  • 50 g smoked salmon
  • 1 ½ tsp. feta cheese spread
  • 4 or 5 thin onion slices
  • Handful of capers (8 – 10)

For the Cheese Sandwich:

  • 1 homemade bun (or store-bought)
  • 3 slices smoked Gouda cheese (60 g) or other cheese of your choice
  • 1 ½ tsp. black olive spread

Directions

Chicken Sandwich:

  1. Place the roasted and sliced chicken breast in a bowl, add finely chopped onion, sliced pickles, homemade tahini sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  2. Slice the homemade bun horizontally. Spread dried tomato spread on one side.
  3. Layer salad leaves on the bottom bun, followed by the prepared chicken mixture.
  4. Cover with the top bun and serve.

Salmon Sandwich:

  1. Spread feta cheese spread on the bottom half of the homemade bun and lay smoked salmon over it.
  2. Arrange thin onion slices and capers on top.
  3. Place the top bun over the fillings and serve.

Cheese Sandwich:

  1. Spread black olive spread over the bottom half of the homemade bun and lay the Gouda cheese slices on top of it.
  2. Place the top bun over the fillings and serve.

Serving Information

  • Servings: 3 Sandwiches
  • Prep Time: 3 x 15 minutes

Nutritional Information

  • Note: Nutritional information for the sandwiches can vary. We encourage you to calculate it for each sandwich based on the specific ingredients you use.

Storage and Recommendations

  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Experiment with different combinations and toppings to suit your taste preferences.