Vegan Crumble Berry slices

Crumble is one of my favorite dessert. I remember eating the first one during a family trip in the UK. I was probably 6 or 7 years old and found all the food awful 🙂 except for a super flaky, buttery cinnamon apple crumble that was served to us one evening at one of my Mum ‘s friend place for dessert !

I have baked some many variations since then, as it is such a versatile delight. I found the red fruit and almond combo one of the nicest one, and in this recipe I bake it as a pie, with a layer of GF dough, which makes it easy to serve and enjoy. Some could compare it to a streusel I guess ! Feel free to choose the berries you prefer and adapt the sugar level to your tastebuds and sweetness of your fruits. Absolutely no butter, or refined sugar in this recipe, but try it, you won’t miss those I promise.

Happy Baking and share your feedbacks if you do this recipe !

NGREDIENTS

Crust and Crumble

  • 2,5 cups oat flakes
  • 1,75 cups almond flour
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • A few crushed almonds or hazelnuts to add before baking

Filling

  • 600 grs raspberries (or any kind of red fruits). Frozen fruits need to be thawed before
  • 2,5 tbsp maple syrup (adjust while making the filling if your fruits were not too sweet)
  • 3 tsp chia seeds
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp unwaxed lemon zest

DIRECTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 170 °C, fan forced
  2. Start preparing your fruits, mashing them with the sweetener and chia seeds. Leave to rest (you need to keep some fruit chunks to have more texture)
  3. Put your oats in your thermomix or high speed blender and blend until you get a flour texture. Add all the remaining crust ingredients and blend to get a dough consistency. If too sandy, add a few tbsp water (1 by one until it forms a proper dough).
  4. Split the dough in 2 equal balls
  5. Use the first ball, rolling/ pressing it to make the base of your crumble slices. (you can use any kind of pan, I like to use a square one lined with baking paper)
  6. Top the crust with your fruits mixture and then add the crumble on top, adding 2/3 tbsp crushed almonds or hazelnuts on top (optional)
  7. Put in the oven for 40/45 min (check it gets nicely golden but not burnt :).
  8. Take it out and wait for it to be cool to slice

Eat straight away with some vegan yogurt or ice cream or keep for a few days in the fridge. Can be frozen for up to a month in air tight container.

Comforting Vegan Chai latte

So it is that time of the year, when you feel like you need to be surrounded by softness, put a large wool jumper, socks, and enjoy a big cup of tea reading a good book by the fire… except if you live in Singapore 🙂 but IG is full of wintery posts and my European roots still feed me that urge to get in the comfy autumn mood. So today I decided to make myself an almond milk chai latte and spend some time reading my cookbooks at home with some easy listening lounge music 🙂 If you are not vegan you can also use dairy milk of course, though I would recommend you try a vegan alternative to see if it is easier to digest …. Did you know that it is estimated that 70% of the population is lactose intolerant ? some don’t experience symptoms but for many it results in stomach pain, bloating, …. If you really want to keep your dairy, try goat or sheep milks which are also rich in proteins, and minerals but contain less lactose.

Chai spices blends are available in most well stocked healthy stores but you can easily make you own blend, so sharing with you my recipe below.

Don’t wait any longer, pour yourself a big cup and enjoy !

Chai spices blend mix:

  • 4 tbsp ground cinnamon 
  • 3 tbsp ground ginger
  • 1 tbsp black pepper grounded
  • 4  tsp ground cardamom
  • 3/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 tsp ground cloves

Blend all spices together in an airtight jar and that’s it ! Can keep for a few months (in my wine cabinet in SG 🙂 ) and be used in your cakes, smoothies or to make delicious chai latte !

For the latte, just mix in your mug: 2 tsp water + 1/2 to 1 tbsp maple syrup + 1 tsp chai mix (adjust to taste). Stir well, then pour into the mix, 1 cup hot vegan milk. I like almond or cashew for an even creamier and more indulgent variation. Stir well, and even better if you have a small blender, use it to blend and get some foam :). That’s it !

Healthy chocolate smoothie bowl

Hello ! Feeling you need a little “cheer me up” this morning for breakfast ? Then think about chocolate 🙂 But not the nasty “N….a” spread you put on toasts or hot choc you drink with marshmallows 🙂 I am talking about real chocolate benefits, ie raw “Cacao”. Do you actually know the difference between cacao and cocoa ?

Simple: raw cacao comes from cold-pressed un-roasted cacao beans. It keeps all the goodness of cacao, which are numerous: living enzymes, antioxidants, magnesium (which can help reduce stress :), potassium, and iron). And lastly it is rich in alkaloids which interact with our neurotransmitters and help us feel good !!!!….

Cocoa comes from the same beans but they have been roasted at high temperatures, hence less nutritional benefits. However if you can’t find raw cacao, cocoa is still a valid option for this smoothie. Healthy enough and will also put a big smile on your face 🙂

Recipe so simple you have no excuse not to make it as I am sure you have everything you need in your pantry ! ENJOY and share your comments !

Serves 1:

1 frozen banana (not too ripe if you want to reduce sugar level)

1/4 cup GF oats

125 ml almond milk (adjust to consistence level you like)

1 tbsp raw cacao

1 tsp chia seeds

1 to 2 soft dates (adjust to your sweet tooth)

1/2 tsp real vanilla extract

Pinch of sea salt

Blend everything in your high speed blender / thermomix until smooth. Pour less / more milk wether you want to drink or eat it. If eaten as a smoothie bowl top with extra seeds, quinoa puffs, cacao nibs, more dates or fresh fruits. YUM 🙂

Gingerbread Pears and pecan overnight porridge

A new porridge recipe base for you guys ! Overnight one, so no excuse not to make it as it will only take a few min to prepare the day ahead (or even a few days ahead) and just finish with the toppings in the morning. Gluten free, raw, vegan, refined sugar free, nourishing and very yummy. The way we like to start the day, right ?

Recipe just there. Happy Brekkie !

Serves 1

110 grs GF rolled oats

1 tbsp chia seeds

2 tbsp vegan (or greek) yogurt or even unsweetened apple sauce

100 ml almond or oat milk + 2 tbsp water

1 tbsp gula melaka (adjust to taste)

1 tsp cinamon

1/2 tsp gingerbread spices

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

A pinch of sea salt

Just blend everything well overnight in your container (double or triple quantities for batch cooking as it can keep for a few days in the fridge)

In the morning, add half a raw medium pear, thinly sliced (if you have time roast it with a little coconut sugar, YUM !), drizzle extrat gula melaka if you have a sweet tooth, raw cacao nibs, vegan yogurt, roasted pecans and pepitas and here it is !

Shorghum, puy lentils, cherry tomatoes, feta salad

Yes salads can be pretty, healthy, nourishing and very tasty ! The one I am sharing with you today is super well balanced, combining, good GF carbs, legume proteins, veggies, sheep dairy, lots of herbs and a healthy fat dressing. It can be satisfying as a main on its own but feel free to add some more protein if you have a busy/ sporty day and a few more greens as a side salad to have a complete lunch. It can be easily adapted if you don’t have sorghum, don’t worry (replace with quinoa, farro or millet) and also switch for a vegan cheese alternative if you eat plant based. I rarely eat dairy nowadays, but feta can bring that special twist I want sometimes. If you do use feta, ensure it is real one made only with goat and sheep milk, please ! as there are so many bad ones on the market !

The only time consuming step is the lentils cooking in the recipe, so ensure you cook more and keep some for some lentils burgers patties/ falafels / a nice dahl / another salad…. in coming days.

Recipe below, serves 6 as a main / 8 as a good side !

200 grs uncooked Puy lentils

200 grs shorghum

300 grs cherry tomatoes quartered

100 grs persian style soft marinated real feta (or marinated tofu for vegan alternative)

2 red onions diced

2 large garlic cloves crushed

20 grs chopped parsley / 20 grs chopped chives / 20 grs thyme

70 ml lemon juice

100 ml extra virgin olive oil

salt and cracked pepper and roasted pepitas to top

Rinse and cook your lentils. Do the same with the sorghum.While they are cooking prepare the lemon dressing, mixing garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and a bit of salt.

When your grains and lentils have cooled down, put them in your serving bowl, add the cherry tomatoes, the onions and pour over the dressing. Finally add the feta and the herbs and top with extra salt/ black pepper and roasted pepitas. As simple a that !

Strawberries and Raspberries smoothie

So you love smoothies but always feel guilty drinking a lot of sugar and lacking proteins when you enjoy one. And you don’t feel like having a veggie protein shake either … Then this one is for you: sweet but using berries which fructose and GI level are ok, and protein rich using silken tofu 🙂 and really pretty: we all love a pink smoothie, right ?

Some people might be reluctant to use tofu, I still use organic tofu to get some vegan proteins a few times a week. I have read many studies about soy and believe that if you eat it in moderation and buy the right stuff it is still a very good ingredient (though I don’t use soy milk often as I don’t like it’s taste). And don’t worry the smoothie doesn’t taste like tofu at all 🙂

The best thing with this smoothie is that it only takes 2 min, you can use frozen fruits when berries are not in season and you can customize it the way you like it.

Enjoy and let me know your thoughts if you make it.

Instructions (Serves 1)

  • 75 grs strawberries
  • 25 grs Raspberries
  • 75 grs silken tofu
  • 120 to 175 ml almond or coconut milk ( depending how dense you want it)
  • 1 to 2 dates according to your sweet tooth
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • Put everything in your #thermomix and blend until totally smooth
  • Top with fresh raspberries, pumpkin seeds, shredded basil or mint, raw cocoa nibs or anything your fancy !

Pumpkin lentil ginger vegan soup

This is the kind of soup we love at home: full of flavor, nourishing and enough as a main meal as it contains a nice amount of protein using red lentils. I will usually add some kind of flat bread and a side leafy green salad to make a complete meal, and if we don’t go vegan, top the soup with some goat cheese instead of coconut yogurt . Even when you live in a tropical country it is so nice to have a warm hearty soup some days ! Hope you try and like it 🙂

INGREDIENTS (Serves 6 large bowls)

  • 400 grs chopped pumpkin
  • 200 grs red lentils
  • 175 grs chopped carrots
  • 3 chopped celery stalks
  • 1 chopped large yellow onion
  • 9 cm piece ginger roughly chopped
  • 3 chopped garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 650 ml vegetable stock (ideally homemade or low sodium). Adjust according to consistency desired
  • 400 ml coconut milk
  • 2 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS

  1. Put vegetables, onions and ginger drizzled with olive oil and a little salt on a baking tray in preheated oven at 200°C.
  2. Bake for 30 minutes (check after 25 min it doesn’t get to brown)
  3. In the meantime, cook the rinsed red lentils in your thermomix or in a large pot covered with a lid, with the stock, garlic, spices and vegetable stock.
  4. Cook for 20 minutes, then add half of the coconut milk and mix.
  5. Add the roasted vegetables (start with only half of the ginger and try before adding the rest, as I love ginger but you might want a bit less 🙂 and the rest of the coconut milk and top with some more stock or water until you reach the consistency you want. Adjust seasoning (salt, pepper and maybe ginger)
  6. Blend until smooth texture and serve in bowls topped with coconut yogurt, fresh herbs (cilantro, thai basil, ..) roasted seeds, chili flakes, a drizle of olive oil….

Note: if you don’t plan to eat it all, pour in a container and keep in fridge for up to 3 days or in freezer for 2/3 months.

Almond chocolate and rosemary thumbprint cookies

You have 15 min, crave for a super moist “healthy” chocolate cookie, I have got the recipe for you just below. 5 ingredients, gluten free and guilt free (if you don’t eat the whole tray :), what’s not to love in those ?

Recipe for 14 cookies

  • 175 grs almond flour
  • 1 tsp psyllium husk
  • 3,5 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1,5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp chopped rosemary
  • Vegan chocolate droplets

Mix all ingredients in a bowl except the chocolate and make small balls. Put them in your baking tray covered with baking paper and press gently while adding 2 chocolate droplets in the middle of each ball.

Put in preheated oven at 160°C fan forced, for 15/16 min (wait for a little golden color appearing on the sides). Take them out, sprinkle with madden sea salt flakes and let them cool down before eating.

Store in airtight container and refresh before eating if you want to get them a little crispy again as they get super chewy super quickly, especially in SG.

Golden Coconut Kafir lime Ginger cauliflower couscous

Have you ever tried cauliflower couscous ? If not, you are missing something, especially if you like carbs and are trying to minimize their intake : )

If you don’t like cauliflower, I defy you to taste it in this recipe and the texture is so nice ! Recipe is below and if you make it, double quantities of the cauliflower couscous so you can enjoy and accommodate for a few meals !

RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

  • 800 grs cauliflower florets (only the florets)
  • 1 finely diced yellow onion
  • 2  tbsp  coconut oil 
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp lime juice and its zest (ideally organic)
  • 2 to 3 tbsp grated fresh ginger (adjust to taste)
  • 2 chopped garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos for GF option)
  • To top: 1,5 tbsp grated coconut + 1 kafir lime finely shredded and salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Pulse your cauliflower florets in your thermomix until you get a texture similar to couscous.
  2. Steam it for 7 min, and drain thoroughly (I use a cheese cloth) when cooled down, to remove all water.
  3. Heat at medium heat your pan, add the coconut oil, then the onions, and after 5 min your garlic, ginger and turmeric. Stir well all along for an extra min. 
  4. Add the cauliflower, cook for 1/2 min, and finish with the soy sauce, lime and sesame oil, and stir again.
  5. Transfer to a bowl and top with your grated coconut and kafir lime and serve

Note: you can add a few chili flakes when you add the ginger and turmeric, if you want it a little spicy

You can eat it warm of cold and add some pomegranate, roasted almond flakes, diced cucumber and feta (or marinated tofu if vegan) to have it as a salad.

Ultra moist vegan chocolate Beet muffin

So here it is, I finally post this beetroot chocolate vegan muffin recipe. I think I have been postonning sharing it as my kids still don’t know there is beetroot inside 🙂 I have shared lots of my recipe trick with them, but beetroot and chocolate is definitely a combo they would not understand 🙂 Though it works well as it doesn’t taste at all like beetroots especially if you shred super finely your beet. And adding this veggie to the dough definitely adds moistness, helps sweeten a bit and enables adding less oil. Also beets are rich in fibers, calcium, potassium and Vitamin C.

Those muffins are definitely rich in cacao flavor, with the perfect soft texture. I don’t have a sweet tooth so you might want to add a bit more sweetener and don’t skip topping them with cacao chips and this crunchy melted chocolate top part is definitely addictive.

In a nutshell, those are for you if you want to indulge with healthy vegan chocolate muffins. They are low in gluten, and you can use GF flour instead of spelt if you are gluten intolerant (tested it and OK with Bob’s redial 1for 1 mix). Recipe just below.

INGREDIENTS (Makes 6 jumbo muffins)

  • 1,5 cups spelt flour (can also substitute with kamut flour – low gluten, or GF flour if GF intolerant)
  • 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp super finely shredded beetroot
  • 1/2 cup coconut sugar (add a few more tbsp if you use extra dark choc or if you have a sweet tooth)
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup vegan dark chocolate chips (1/3 cup for batter and the rest to top the muffins)
  • 1/2 cup almond milk unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup unrefined virgin coconut oil (liquid form)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • A pinch of sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 185 °C fan forced
  2. Mix together all dry ingredients.
  3. Mix together wet ingredients (including shredded beet)
  4. Combine wet and dry and stir well.
  5. Pour in prepared muffin tins and put in preheated oven for 22 to 25 min. Check doneness with a toothpick
  6. Once cooled removed from tin and store in airtight container where it will keep for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 1 month