Amaranth and Orange Flapjacks

These flapjacks are often served from Azul’s kitchen – they are perfect for breakfast, or as a post-workout snack! Gluten-free, vegan and refined sugar free, they are packed with goodness and therefore a great way to start the day or to give you an energy boost after you’ve been working up a sweat. They are handy little things too, super easy to wrap up and take with you on the go.

Many flapjack and granola bars can be full of butter and added sugar. But this recipe keeps things nice and natural with only wholefood goodness. They are also super easy to make, and don’t even need to be baked.

Recipe

Ingredients (makes 15 bars)

1/2 cup mix of raisins, chopped pitted dates and chopped figs

2 tbsp coconut oil

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/3 cup each of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds

1/2 cup mix of almonds and walnuts

1/2 cup dried coconut

1/3 cup amaranth

Zest of 1 orange

1 tbsp ground flaxseed

1 apple grated

Method

1. Soak the raisins, dates and figs in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain most of the water and put aside a handful of the dried fruit into a medium mixing bowl. Blend the rest with the remaining water, coconut oil and spices until a smooth paste forms, and then add to the bowl.

2. Toast the seeds in a hot frying pan for 2-3 minutes until they slightly brown. Repeat with the nuts, which are then coarsely chopped, and then the dried coconut. Add all to the mixing bowl.

3. Toast the amaranth in the pan, and cover with a lid while it pops! Leave for 1-2 minutes until it stops popping, and add to the mixing bowl.

4. Add all remaining ingredients to the bowl and mix well. Transfer into an 8″ x 8″ dish lined with baking paper, and smooth out with a spatula. Put into the fridge for an hour or the freezer for 20 minutes to set, and then slice up to serve! Top with some additional orange zest if you like.

These little beauties can be stored in the fridge for several days, if you can keep your hands off them for that long!

Why are they so delicious and so good for me at the same time?

* Nuts and seeds contain vital vitamins and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus, as well as essential fats, fibre and lean plant protein. They are therefore fantastic for improving immunity, increasing energy levels, and can also aid with inflammation in the body.

* Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides which have been shown to improve energy expenditure, and lauric acid which aids in preventing infections.

* Amaranth is a gluten-free grain and is packed with high quality protein, containing all the essential amino acids. In fact it is one of the most protein rich of any plant-based food.

* Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and also contains high levels of polyphenol antioxidants which help protect the body from free-radical damage. Meanwhile nutmeg can aid with digestive issues and improve blood circulation.